Rainwear, repellent and restrictions on fires: A May long weekend survival guide for campers

The unofficial start to a Manitobasummer is upon us and as you're making Victoria Daylong weekend plans, the first thing you'll need to know is that it begins with much-needed rain.

After weeks of sustained dry conditions in southern Manitoba, campers heading out forlong weekend should anticipate soggy conditions as they set up their tents on Friday.

In Winnipeg, arange of 10-20 millimetres of rain isforecast forFriday morning and a few showers are expected in the afternoon.

But by the next day, the precipitation willgive way to a mainly sunny and breezy Victoria Day weekend, with temperaturesexpected to reachthe mid-20s by Sunday and holiday Monday in southern Manitoba.

CBCmeterologistJohnSaudersaid Friday's rain in much needed in theparched province.

"Rain is a good thing, and the other good thing is it clears up for the long weekend," saidSauder.

With the promising forecast, you'll want to make the most of the days ahead.

Here are a few tips.

Pop a cold one at the campground

Campers inclined to raise a cold one to Queen Victoria (or for any other reason) are in luck.

The province decided toliftits blanket ban this May long on drinking alcohol at Manitoba provincial campgrounds a ban put in place to address a weekend"marred by the behaviour of rowdy campers," a Manitoba MLA said in the mid-1990s.

Those who don't want to indulge may appreciate the alcohol-free camping areas the provincehas designated, including family-friendly camping bays at Birds Hill and Grand Beach provincial parks.

Hold your fire

Whether drinking or not, you'llhave to be careful about roastingmarshmallows over anopen fire.

Areas of the province, including Winnipeg,has imposed burn bans on all outdoor fires even in sanctioned fire pits to prevent wildlandfires from starting in thedry landscape.

Some of the province's busiest campgrounds, including Grand Beach and West Hawk Lake, will only permit campfires between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.

The province will decide Friday whether to implement a provincewidecampfire ban.

'Any tick bite is a seriousdeal'

If you aren't careful, you might bring home more than memories from your camping trip.

A recent study in Manitoba has demonstrated new evidence of borreliamiyamotoi atick-borne disease in people with suspected or confirmed cases of Lyme disease.

Another emerging disease,Powassanvirus (also known as deer tick virus), hasbeen detected locally.

People are encouraged to use strong repellents and tuck their pants into their socks to protect themselves from the leeching parasites.

"It is very important that peopledon't dismiss any tick bite," Marnie Le Page fromManitoba Lyme and Tick-borne Illnesses told CBC Manitoba's Radio Noon. "Any tick bite is a seriousdeal."

Manitobans should also be particularly cautious ofblacklegged ticks, which transmitsemerging viruses and common reportable diseases such as Lyme disease, babesiosis and anaplasmosis.

Boat safely

It's fitting that the May long weekend marks the beginning of North American Safe Boating Awareness Week. It corresponds with the time of year when most boating deaths occur, said the Lifesaving Society's Manitoba branch.

"Manitoba has one of the highest boating fatality rates in the country," acting CEO Kevin Tordiffesaid in a mediarelease. "This province has some of the best parks and beaches in the country. I'm encouraging all Manitobans to get out and enjoy these attractions safely."

To ensure everyone is safeon the water,boaters are encouraged to become familiar with these keybehaviours:

• Wear a life-jacket.
• Boat sober.
• Take a boating course.
• Make sure both you and your vessel are prepared.

Boaters are also asked to take care of their aquatic playground bypreventing the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.

Before leaving a body of water, the province encourages boatersto clean and remove any plants, invasive species or mud fromtheir equipment, as well asdrain water;dry equipment that satin the water and dispose any bait used in the water.

Need a camping spot?

Many campgrounds in Manitoba still have campsites available for booking.

Visit theprovincial and national registration website to secure your May long venue.