You can expect the RCMP to be out in full force this August long weekend not only patrolling the roads, but also the waterways.

Constable Sandy Deibert, from the Thompson RCMP detachment, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that a good chunk of boating fatalities in Canada are due to impairment.

She said the number is around 40%, and that both the Canadian Safe Boating Council and the RCMP are worried that the number could climb with the pending legalization of recreational cannabis. Constable Deibert added that they are also seeing a rise in the use and abuse of prescriptions drugs.

Deibert went on to say that impaired operation of a boat carries the same penalties as impaired operation of a motor vehicle. That means that if you get charged on the water, it could impact you on the roads as well.

To learn about Operation Dry Water, a joint effort from the Canadian Safe Boating Council and the RCMP, make sure to listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 tomorrow.