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Monika Schnarre delivering a message for MADD by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 3 | Friday, May 20, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Impaired boating is impaired driving. That's the message MADD Canada hopes to get across as it prepares to release a series of public service announcements (PSAs) on the risks of drinking and boating across Canada over the next few months. It's just as dangerous, just as illegal and can have fatal repercussions, said MADD COO Dawn Regan said at the filming of its first PSA at Bronte Harbour May 11. The English version of MADD Canada's first PSA features supermodel and TV personality Monika Schnarre, who told the Oakville Beaver at the filming she got involved because her husband, Corey Badger, lost many friends over the years in accidents involving drinking and driving or drinking and boating. One of his best friends was Peter Crompton, who died July 13, 2003 in a boating collision on Lake Joseph in Seguin Township. The boat he was in was struck by an impaired driver. Following his death, Crompton's father Ken Crompton lobbied to have laws changed so impaired boating carried the same charges as impaired drivers face. Bill 209 became law in 2006. Schnarre, who lives in Muskoka with her family, said it's important to raise awareness about impaired boating, especially during the summer when people are on the waterways. She said she thinks people feel there's less traffic and risk when getting on a boat after having drinks. "It's important to remember it's no different than getting in a car," said Schnarre, who, at age 15, was the youngest model to appear in Vogue magazine U.S. "I hope people realize it is still very dangerous and can be fatal. Don't risk it," she said. Schnarre added with her three-year-old son Bode out Supermodel Monika Schnarre was at Bronte Harbour last week filming a PSA for Oakville-based MADD Canada, which says impaired boating is impaired driving. | photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver on the water with her and her husband, she's even more aware of the importance of water safety. "I hope the message gets out there to stay at home, stay on the dock, have a drink, have a few even, just don't get in the boat," she said. Generally, boaters who are impaired are more likely to go too fast on waterways, operate vessels in a dangerous or careless manner, forget to turn on running lights or other required night-time equipment and openly consume alcohol while boating, according to MADD Canada. Nearly half of all recreational boating fatalities are alcoholrelated, said Regan. Even more alarming are statistics that 37 per cent of boaters admit to consuming alcohol every time they boat, and 66 per cent say they drink alcohol sometimes when boating, MADD Canada reports on its website. "The more we talk about impaired boating, the more it will change and the more people will realize it is just as dangerous and unsafe and it's a criminal act," she said. Operating a boat while impaired by alcohol and/ or drugs is illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada. A person will be charged if their blood alcohol (BAC) exceeds the legal federal limit of .08 per cent (80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milligrams). In addition to a driver's licence suspension, those convicted also face a $1,000 fine for a first offence, at least 30 days in jail on a second offence and at least 120 days in jail on a third offence. In addition to the PSAs, MADD Canada has launched Campaign 911. With a grant from Transport Canada, and working with police, government, boat clubs and marinas, MADD Canada has produced and installed more than 600 `Report Impaired Boaters' signs in harbours, marinas and boat launches across Canada. A few are posted at Bronte Harbour and MADD Canada is working to get signs in other areas to encourage boaters to report impaired drivers on the waterways, said Regan. The PSA featuring Schnarre at Bronte Harbour will be aired on television by the end of May. For more information on MADD Canada, visit madd.ca. A STEP BEYOND IN CARE Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? Do you have: Call for an appointment 905-632-1414 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com OAKVILLE your t c e t Pro nvestment! I call 25 YEARS IN OAKVILLE ® with the optimum in vehicle rust control and much more! Complete Cars from $ 119.95 NEW CARS, USED CARS, RUSTY CARS... WE DO IT ALL For coupons and specials visit... DETAILING www.krown.com NOW AVAILABLE 1490 UNIT # 5 SPEERS ROAD, OAKVILLE 905.827.7878 WALLACE RD