Water Smart Coordinator Doctor Christopher Love says drowning can occur at any time of the year as one-third of drownings in Manitoba take place from October to April.

Love explains some of the unique risks that present themselves when it comes to fall boating. He says in the fall you have to be aware if you are going out boating it’s not going to be the same as during the summer, there aren’t going to be as many people around and you’ve now got different conditions you’re operating under and so they’re very concerned and really want to stress to people that you really have to check the weather, you should be doing that all the time when you go boating but especially during the fall and early winter periods.  He notes we’ve got winds and waves that are occurring that may be different than conditions you were used to during the summer.

Love also shared some tips on ice safety.

They include checking the weather and avoid going on the ice on warm or stormy days, have trained people test ice thickness and wear a buoyant suit or lifejacket when on the ice.