While out enjoying Saskatchewan's great lakes and rivers this long weekend, residents are reminded to boat safe and sober.

Saskatchewan RCMP have teamed up with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment and SGI to remind boaters that being impaired and operating a boat shares similar consequences as impaired operation of a vehicle.

Boats are considered a public place, so open liquor is not allowed for anyone on the boat – whether you’re the operator OR the passenger. This includes pontoon boats.

SGI wants to remind people that it’s never okay to drive impaired, whether you’re behind the wheel of a motor vehicle on your way to or from the lake or captaining a motor boat.

Whenever you’re in charge of a big piece of machinery like a boat, you need to have a clear head, for your own safety and everyone else sharing the water.

No matter what mode of transportation you choose in the summer, Saskatchewan RCMP, SGI and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment would like to remind you, we all want to enjoy life on the water, and being a smart and sober operator helps to make that a reality