The Victoria Day weekend is considered by many to be the unofficial start of summer, and with the start of summer comes the start of boating season.
As you prepare to get back on the water, safety advocates are reminding boat owners of the dangers of drinking and boating.
Ian Gilson, director of the Canadian Safe Boating Council tells CFRA's The Newsfeed that 40 per cent of boating-related deaths have involved alcohol in some way.
Gilson says he doesn't think drinking and boating is frowned upon the way drinking and driving is, but can be just as dangerous.
"I was at a boating-related event yesterday and (someone) came up to me and said 'I don't have a boat anymore but I certainly miss it. There's nothing like taking a six-pack of beer and going out on the boat,'" he says. “I said 'Yikes, I'm glad you're not boating anymore."
He says drinking and boating often happens on long weekends like the Canada Day weekend or the August civic holiday.
He says 50 per cent of fatal boating accidents happen because people are not wearing life jackets.
For those in smaller boats like canoes, Gilson recommends providing a responsible friend of family member with your trip plans.
"Where you're going, a description of your canoe or kayak, what time you expect to be back and a number to call if you don't get back on time," he says. "The moment the search and rescue people are alerted to the fact that you're late the better."
Gilson says although those types of boats are not motorized, operating them while impaired is still dangerous.