The Canadian Safe Boating Council is warning boaters not to drink or use drugs while they’re on the water.

“We’re concerned it’s again going to be a year where alcohol and drug-related deaths are going to be on the rise in Canada,” director Ian Gilson told Bolt FM from his favourite boating getaway of Bobcaygeon, Ontario.

Nationally, 40 per cent of boating-related deaths involve alcohol - but Saskatchatchean has the second highest provincial rate with 60 per cent.

With the impending legalization of recreational marijuana and the growing use and abuse of prescription drugs, the group hopes that number doesn’t rise further, Gilson said.

Recent changes to the Canadian Shipping Act suggest that human-powered craft such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and paddle boats now fall under the definition of a vessel, which means they’re subject to the same drunk boating laws, he said.

In many provinces, a drunk boating conviction means the loss of a driving license, he said.

Wind, waves and the rocking motion of a boat can increase the intoxicating effect of alcohol and drugs, he said. People often come back to shore after boating and drive home right away, which is also dangerous if they’ve been drinking, he said.

The group launched a program four years ago encouraging people to call 911 if they suspect someone boating while impaired.

“We’re really not wanting to use this as a penalty. We’re hoping it's going to be more of a preventative because there are increased numbers of eyes on the water.”