Lifesaving Society says alcohol is a major contributor in the cause of water-related deaths. 

The Lifesaving Society of Manitoba highlights alcohol as a major concern this long weekend.  Traffic is expected to hike both in and around beaches and lakes. 

 

Water safety coordinator Elizabeth Proskurnik identifies alcohol as a contributing factor to water-related fatalities. 

 

66 per cent of the water-related deaths within the 18 to 24 age group are related to alcohol. 

 

Regardless if you're swimming or operating a boat, Proskurnik warns alcohol will slow and reduce judgment. 

 

But her warning doesn't only extend to the younger age groups -- according to Proskurnik's stats, 60 percent of water-related deaths for people over the age of 50 also involved alcohol.