(ID 34079998 © Chris Van Lennep | Dreamstime.com)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

use common sense!

Alberta launches impaired boating pilot program as safety becomes paramount over long weekend

May 16, 2025 | 5:17 PM

Boaters are encouraged to use common sense and practice safety this long weekend.

May 17-23 actually marks Safe Boating Awareness Week with the May Long Weekend marking the unofficial start to the warm season.

The Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) shared a report this week on drownings in the country during 2024; the report indicates 23 per cent of water-related fatalities occurred while someone was boating.

The most common age group to experience drowning fatalities is 65+, though they were down 11 per cent from 2015 to 2019.

In that same timeframe, drownings amongst those aged 5-14 spiked 42 per cent.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Meantime, the Government of Alberta says a new pilot program is ongoing which will tackle impaired boating.

The pilot is managed by Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services, and runs May 16 to Sept. 1.

Fish and Wildlife officers will enhance their patrols on lakes and rivers in and around Spruce Grove, Wetaskiwin, Ponoka, Camrose and Red Deer with the ability to determine the sobriety of boat operators by using Approved Screening Devices (ASDs) – commonly known as breathalyzers.

If an officer determines the operator is impaired, they will be arrested.

“Alberta families have a right to enjoy our beautiful summers safely. The pilot program we’ve announced today sends a clear message: impaired boating has no place on Alberta’s waterways. Full stop,” says Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

“Operating a boat while impaired is just as dangerous and illegal as driving a car impaired. I want to commend our fish and wildlife officers for taking concrete steps to prevent accidents and keep Albertans safe.”

You can also expect boats to be inspected starting June 1 for invasive species.

Safety tips from the CSBC:

Boat Sober: “Don’t Drink and Drive” applies to boats, too! In Alberta alone, alcohol consumption was a factor in 50% of boating-related fatalities (2024 Alberta Drowning Report). Alcohol intensifies the effects of fatigue, sun, wind, and boat motion, in addition to negatively impacting balance, judgement, and reaction time.

Wear a Lifejacket: No matter how good a swimmer you are, you should always wear your lifejacket in a boat. When choosing a lifejacket, make sure to select one that is in good condition, Transport Canada approved (check the label!), and the proper size to support your weight.

Drive Safely: Drive at moderate speeds and use proper lights after dark.

Know Before You Go: Keep an eye on the local weather conditions to avoid boating in potentially dangerous areas.

Have a Boat Safety Kit: Your safety kit should include a first aid kit, a bailing bucket, a whistle or horn, a flashlight, and a throw rope.

Don’t Boat Alone: Boating with a buddy is safer, and more fun!

Get Carded: A Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) Card serves as the necessary proof of competency to operate a power-driven boat. You can get prepared for the Pleasure Craft Operator Card test by taking our Boat Operator Accredited Training (BOAT)™ course.

For more information, visit Lifesaving.org or contact Experts@Lifesaving.org. You can also check out the Canadian Safe Boating Council’s Facebook page on Safe Boating Awareness Week for some safety demonstration videos.

The Lifesaving Society’s free course on water safety can be found here.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.