2025 Boat Sober – August Long Weekend

July 31, 2025 – Winnipeg, Manitoba, — Boating while intoxicated is a factor in many boating fatalities/drowning deaths every year in Manitoba.

To raise awareness and reduce impairment-related deaths, Lifesaving Society Manitoba and the Canadian Safe Boating Council are stressing the importance of Boating Sober.  The campaign is supported by Manitoba RCMP, the Winnipeg Police Service, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, and MADD Winnipeg.

“We know Manitobans love to get out on the water during the summer months, and they also love relaxing while on vacation,” said Lifesaving Society Manitoba Executive Director Lynne Stefanchuk.  “But think ahead and save the party until you are off the water for the day. Boating Sober means you are much less likely to become a statistic.”

With the summer boating season in high gear, the August 2nd – August 4th long weekend is the perfect time to remind Canadian boaters about the need to Boat Sober.  Combined with sun, wind, waves and the rocking motion of the boat, the effects of alcohol, prescription medication, and recreational drugs on the water can be greatly increased.

Boaters can be charged with Impaired Operation of a Vessel under the Criminal Code of Canada if they are found to be impaired.  Even human-powered craft are not excluded from the definition of a vessel and are subject to the same penalties.

In Manitoba, you can lose your driving privileges as a result of boating while impaired.

Operation Dry Water – Boat Sober is aimed at reducing the number of impairment-related accidents and fatalities on the water while fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use while boating. The end goal is to achieve safer and more enjoyable recreational boating.

For more information, visit www.csbc.ca www.betterboater.ca and www.lifesaving.mb.ca.