The love of boating grew exponentially during the pandemic, where Canada now has over 16-million enthusiasts enjoying time on the water.

Dr. Christopher Love, with Lifesaving Society Manitoba, says while Manitoba has a large number of boaters it also has the distinction of the highest rate of intoxicated operators, sitting at 42 per cent compared to the national average of around 35 per cent.

He has some information here about boating and drinking.

“Some people seem to think its okay to drink in a boat but they have to realize that it is exactly the same penalties as if you were drinking in an automobile. If you are the operator, you can lose your driver’s licence, you can lose your boat, your car can be impounded, you can receive fines or jail time depending on the exact circumstances.”

Love said that the no-alcohol rules apply to passengers as well.

For more information about how to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator card or access other Water Smart Programs, go to lifesaving.mb.ca.

You can also catch the interview with Dr. Love on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.