Kelowna man arrested, boat towed after refusing to give breath sample on lake

| August 10, 2022 in Okanagan

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A boater is facing potential criminal charges after being stopped by police on Okanagan Lake Tuesday night.

North Okanagan RCMP officers were out conducting patrols on the lake, checking 22 vessels for compliance over the course of the evening, when they came across the 51-year-old Kelowna man.

“During a safety check of one of those vessels, investigators detected possible signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication from the operator,” said Cst. Chris Terleski.

“The man was read a demand to provide a sample of his breath, which he refused to do. After refusing the lawful demand, the man was arrested and the boat towed to shore.”

He was later released from police custody and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

Sgt. Justin Thiessen said it’s another reminder that impaired boating is illegal and punishable under the Criminal Code.

“There’s zero tolerance for it and we will continue to be out checking for it,” he noted. “We want everyone to have a fun, safe time, so please be responsible and boat sober.”

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