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With warmer temperatures coming this summer, the RCMP forecasted increased activity out on the water.

There’s no better way to spend the day on Saskatchewan’s great lakes and rivers than in a boat – where Saskatchewan RCMP officers and Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Conservation Officers are too.

This summer, Saskatchewan RCMP teamed-up with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment and SGI to remind all boaters that being impaired and operating a boat shared similar consequences as the impaired operations of a vehicle.

Operating powerboats while impaired by alcohol or other substance is illegal.

Both the RCMP and Ministry Conservation Officers have the authority to enforce alcohol regulations to ensure everyone’s safety. 

Saskatchewan RCMP officers near resort and lake communities spend a lot of time on the water, patrolling to ensure everyone is boating safely and following provincial regulations.

The vast majority of incidents officers encounter on the water are resolved by educating members of the public about potential enforcement consequences resulting from the impaired operation of boats and watercrafts.

Ministry Conservation Officers conduct regular boat patrols to check anglers and are frequently asked about consuming alcohol while operating the boat or as a passenger. Boats are considered public places, so open liquor is not allowed for anyone on the boat – whether the individual is the operator or the passenger – this law also includes pontoon boats.

Alcohol slows down reflexes and impairs motor skills and judgement – it’s illegal and dangerous. Impaired passengers are at risk of drowning as a result of falling overboard.  

Alcohol is only permitted for passengers on an actual houseboat with plumbed-in sewage, cooking and sleeping facilities. The houseboat must be moored to a permanent mooring structure, dock or land. 

SGI reminded people it’s never okay to drive impaired, whether behind the wheel of a motor vehicle on the way to or from the lake, or captaining a motorboat. And, it’s not just alcohol that impairs operators behind the wheel – cannabis and other legal and illegal drugs also impact judgment, concentration and the ability to react.

Whenever anyone is in charge of a big piece of machinery like a boat, they must have a clear head for their own safety and for everyone else sharing the water. 

No matter what mode of transportation is chosen this summer, Saskatchewan RCMP, SGI and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment reminded everyone to enjoy life on the water – being a smart and sober operator helps make this a reality.