NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the OPP Marine Unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted 27.5 hours of marine patrol on the waters of Georgian Bay during July 6-9, 2020. The marine unit members checked 64 vessels and their operators for any signs of impairment and for having all of the required equipment. Extra patrol time was also dedicated to the areas off of Giant's Tomb Island observing for liquor infractions and assisting with trespassing issues on Beckwith and Hope Islands.
Those vessel checks resulted in the following infractions being investigated:
- Two vessel operators were ticketed for failing to have sufficient Life Jackets for all persons aboard.
- One operator was ticketed for failing to provide their vessel registration or Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
- 15 warnings were conveyed to vessel operators by the officers for various marine equipment issues.
Drinking and Driving Investigations on the water:
- Nine operators provided breath samples into the Roadside Screening Device (ASD). Nine vessel operators "passed" on the ASD.
The Marine Unit also visited four area marina's and made themselves available for marine educational questions from marina patrons and conducted three property checks during their patrol time. Officers remind boaters to view the following link that includes videos https://csbc.ca/en/operation-dry-water providing information about the consumption of alcohol and cannabis while on a vessel.
Boaters should also check the following websites and comply with any restrictions before planning to go ashore on your favourite island in Georgian Bay.
Beausoleil First Nations Lands http://www.chimnissing.ca/
Georgian Bay Islands National Park https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/georg
Georgian Bay Township https://www.gbtownship.ca/en/index.aspx
Officers crewing the OPP patrol vessel's remind all vessel operators that they are checking for vessel equipment and for liquor offences which they are vigorously enforcing in an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities on our area waterways this summer. For more information on safe vessel operation and equipment please view the following web site - https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm and the attached Safe and Sober Awareness Committee poster
Police remind operators that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our waterways. Educating the public about safe vessel operating practices is a priority.
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