Boaters in the Georgian Bay area "seem to be missing the message" about life jackets.
That's according to the Southern Georgian Bay OPP who say despite their many reminders this summer, they are still finding boats that don’t have enough personal flotation devices for all people on board.
Between last Tuesday and Sunday, 45 vessels were checked and four were found to not have enough life jackets for everyone.
Another boater didn’t have a pleasure craft operator's card and 10 were educated on numerous vessel deficiencies.
Officers also responded to five calls of service from members of the public.
“These calls ranged from a vessel aground on the rock shoals of Potato Island Channel to assisting at a near drowning of a youngster in the water near Lafontaine Beach, Tiny Township,” said OPP in a news release. “Fortunately, family and Emergency Services made the difference that day! “
Police say you should always directly supervise children in, on, and around the water.
According to the Lifesaving Society, “if you are not within arms' reach, you've gone too far."
