NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
*************************
Members of the OPP Marine Unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were out on patrol over the weekend of July 1-5, 2020. Marine officers conducted 30 hours of patrol on the waters of Georgian Bay checking 110 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. Officers did attend and patrol Farlain Lake in Tiny Township providing marine education for area cottagers.
Those vessel checks resulted in the following infractions being investigated:
- Six vessel operators were ticketed for failing to have sufficient Life Jackets for all persons aboard.
- 12 operators were ticketed for failing to provide their vessel registration or Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
- Seven offence tickets were issued to operators with open liquor while underway.
- 42 warnings were conveyed to vessel operators by the officers for various marine equipment issues.
Drinking and Driving Investigations on the water:
- 16 operators provided breath samples into the Roadside Screening Device (ASD)
- Three vessel operators "failed" the ASD and after further investigation were charged with Impaired Driving offences
- Four vessel operators registered "warn range" readings on the ASD and had their Ontario Drivers Licences suspended for three days under the Ministry of Transportation Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension program (ADLS)
- Nine vessel operators "passed" on the ASD.
Marine officers while en route to their moored marine patrol vessel investigated the following offences:
- One charge of Driving While Prohibited contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
- One charge of Driving with a Hand Held Device contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
- Three equipment related offences contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
- One charge of Driving without Insurance contrary to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act
The Marine Unit also visited eight area marina's and made themselves available for marine educational questions from marina patrons 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.
Young vessel passengers who were observed wearing their Life Jacket continue to be rewarded by officers with the popular "I Got Caught Wearing My Life Jacket" T-Shirt program.
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.
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.
*************************
