NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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During July 22-25, 2021 uniform officers assigned to the Southern Georgian Bay detachment Marine Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police partnered with several members of the Christian Island Detachment of the Anishinabek Police Service in an effort to provide an increase in patrol vessel visibility and joint police services cross training.
Officers operating two OPP patrol vessels checked 67 vessels during their 57 hours of patrol time covering the waterways areas of Tiny Township shoreline, Six Mile Lake, Trent Severn waterway and Gloucester Pool.
Officers educated 8 operators on various minor violations of the Canada Shipping Act in an effort to further increase mariners knowledge of the safety equipment required to be onboard. Our following safety minded partners websites at Canadian Safe Boating Council.
Two operators were cited for failing to have sufficient lifejackets aboard their vessel, two operators were cited for liquor violations and 11 other operators were also cited for equipment and speed violations under the Canada Shipping Act during the officers patrols.
Officers responded to a report of a man-overboard incident resulting in a run-away vessel situation in the evening of July 22, 2021 in Chimney Bay, near Beausoleil Island. Fortunately, the small dingy with an outboard motor was able to be stopped by the officers and the lone male occupant was located and removed from the water without injury.
Lessons learned
1) wear your lifejacket, no matter how small or large the vessel as it can save your life if you go overboard.
2) Attaching the engine safety tether to the operator can also save your life or prevent serious injury should the operator go overboard
If you see a possible impaired operator "Make the Call" and dial 911 and help prevent a summer time tragedy.
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