While enjoying making the most of the season on your boat is encouraged, you should be prepared for the consequences that may come with the territory.

The Lifesaving Society Manitoba has issued a reminder that if you do head out on your boat this late in the year, be prepared for different challenges and risks.

Dr. Chirstopher Love, the Water Smart and Safety Management Coordinator, explains that some of the simplest things he advocates for are, bringing a life jacket, wearing extra layers in case you end up in the water, and preparing your boat for the chillier temperatures with the correct antifreeze.

The Coordinator shares that while taking all precautions you can will go a long way, the most important thing you should do before heading out on the water is informing someone of your plans.

"In the middle of the summer, the height of boating season, if you have a mechanical problem or something like that, chances are somebody is going to come by relatively soon, and there's a chance you're going to get help. But at this point in the season, not nearly as many people are out on the water. So, you could be out there for a long time without assistance if you have not prepared ahead, and that's making sure you have appropriate communication devices with you," Love continues. "Also, have you told someone where you're going? How long will you be out while you're doing stuff, and when do you plan to be back? So that if you don't show back up on time, they can initiate the appropriate search."

Love talks about how fast the drowning process can happen, noting that if a person goes below the surface of the water at this time of the year they could become a fatality.

"You can be deceased within 10 to 30 seconds if you're not prepared with something that's going to make you float and stay above the surface."

Love adds that 450 drownings happen each year, and 30 per cent of those take place during the cold water season, a number which he thinks could be prevented if the proper steps are followed.