The Canadian Safe Boating Council and RCMP Manitoba are teaming up to reduce impaired boating deaths over this long weekend.

They report drinking and boating accounts for approximately 40 percent of boating related fatalities on Canadian waterways.  To raise awareness the two groups are launching year five of an initiative called Operation Dry Water to educate boaters about the dangers and potentially fatal consequences of impaired boating.  They note combined with sun, wind, waves and the rocking motion of the boat the effects of alcohol on water can be greatly increased.

  RCMP officers across the province will be out on the water talking to boaters, educating about the risks involved with impaired driving and ensuring proper safety equipment is on board, including a personal floatation device for every person on board.