NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The weekend is upon us and the uniform officers assigned to the Southern Georgian Bay detachment Marine Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police want to remind all vessel operators that alcohol and boating have never mixed and wearing your lifejackets will very likely save your life when needed!
Officers out on detachment patrolled waterways over the June 14-17, 2021 period checked 32 vessels for equipment and impaired driving violations with special attention towards lifejacket and liquor violations. Officers cited three persons for not having enough lifejackets for everyone aboard and three operators were cited for failing to have equipment and or speed related offences. One person was cited for a liquor related offence and of note is the amount of liquor seized from this vessel and another recent single vessel seizure and the potential for a more serious situation to occur. (See attached two submitted photographs)
One operator who was suspected of drinking while operating was given the Roadside Screening Device (ASD) registering a "Pass" result.
"As a member of the boating community, I see and hear from fellow boaters with concern along with reports from Marine Officers of the number of liquor violations and lack of lifejackets combined with the number of new boaters to our area. As Detachment Commander, I strive to ensure our officers are on the water educating and enforcing all laws with the hope that this Father's Day weekend is not marred by a marine related tragedy." interim Detachment Commander Joseph Evans.
Need to Know - TIPS
With the increased number of new boating enthusiasts this year, officers will be trying to educate operators about safe boating on Georgian Bay and the surrounding waterways . The following "APPS" found on your cell phone "app store" can also provide a wealth of very important boating safety and location/rescue information.
- Weather to Boat app provides up to date marine local weather forecasts for your boating area and interactive trip planner.
- i Boat Notes provides a guide to boating safety, navigation tips and vessel equipment requirements.
- What 3 Words app can provide your location to the OPP and other police service communications centers using your cell phone in the event you are lost on the water or land.
This summer, let's be safe on the water and if you see a possible impaired operator "Make the Call" and dial 911 and help prevent a summer time tragedy.
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