The Saskatchewan RCMP is letting people know that impaired operation laws don’t stop at the shoreline.

The information comes after Saskatchewan RCMP dumped over 100 containers of alcohol, handed out seven tickets, and conducted 20 Mandatory Alcohol Screenings, with multiple boaters coming close to the provincial suspension limit, during boat patrols on Last Mountain Lake on July 25.

Officers are now reminding watercraft operators that having open alcohol on a watercraft and driving a watercraft well impaired – regardless of what the substance is – is illegal.

A few safety tips the Saskatchewan RCMP recommended are:

• Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
• Ensure you do not have open alcohol on board.
• Never operate a watercraft while impaired.
• Follow safe boating guidelines and speed limits.
• Always wear a life jacket and use safety equipment properly. Every watercraft must have at least one life jacket per person on it.
• Ensure your water vessel has operable lights. These must be used when travelling on the water after sunset.
• Stay off your cell phone – don’t be a distracted driver.
• Be prepared with safety equipment and a first aid kit.
• Have your Pleasure Craft Operators Card with you on the water. This is mandatory for all watercraft operators.
• Know what to do in an emergency.

It’s advised that if you see or experience an emergency on the water, to call 911 immediately, or in a non-emergency, to contact the RCMP by calling 310-RCMP.