The long weekend provides an opportunity for boaters to get out on the water and police and boating safety advocates want to remind people not to drink and boat.

“We love to be out on the water as much as the next person, but we want to make sure it’s done safely,” said Ian Gilson of the Canadian Safe Boating Council. “We want to make sure people enjoy their favourite beverage they’ve come back to the shoreline.”

For the third year, the council is running their Operation Dry Water campaign to educate people about the risks of drinking and boating.

Gilson said the effects of alcohol - especially combined with sun, wind and the rocking of the waves – make boating more dangerous.

“Statistics have shown that 40 per cent of the boating-related fatalities involve alcohol in one form or another,” he said.

“Alcohol often involves people taking risks that they might not ordinarily do, like let their children ride on the bow of the boat with their legs hanging over.”

Police agencies will be out on the water ways checking to make sure people are operating vessels under the influence. Consequences can range from fines up to thousands of dollars, and even suspension of drivers licences. 

- With files from Sarah Plowman