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Lifesaving Society Manitoba and the Canadian Safe Boating Council are stressing the importance of Boating Sober as Manitobans head into the Terry Fox Day August long weekend.
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Combined with sun, wind, waves and the rocking motion of the boats, the effects of alcohol, prescription medicines and recreational drugs on the water can be greatly increased, officials said.
“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 Stacey Grocholski. “But think ahead and save the the party until you are off the water for the day. Boating Sober means you are much less likely to become a statistic.
Boating while intoxicated is a factor in over one-third of all boating fatalities and drowning deaths each year in Manitoba. The latest five-year average for both Manitoba and Canada is 35% of boating drowning deaths involved alcohol use.
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The Boating Sober campaign is supported by the Winnipeg Police, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and Manitoba RCMP.
Boaters can be charged with impaired operation of a vessel under the Criminal Code if they are found to be impaired. Human-powered craft are not excluded from the definition of a vessel and are subject to the same penalties. In Manitoba, boaters can lose their driving privileges in found to be boating while intoxicated.
Operation Dry Water is aimed at reducing the number of impairment-related accidents and fatalities on the water while fostering stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use while boating.
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