NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
*****************************
As the summer months of the summer of 2023 wind down with the approach of the Labour Day holiday weekend, members of the Marine Unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment urge all vessel operators to remember to have their safety equipment on board for all occupants and to never drive impaired.
A message echoed by the Safe and Sober Awareness Committee of North Simcoe as the weather forecast is for sun and warmer temperatures and committee members ask that all operators and drivers make the right decision this weekend and every weekend to have a designated driver or safe ride home.
Over the past week of Aug. 21 to 29, 2023, the detachment marine unit has logged 47 hours of patrol and checked 41 vessels and operators for signs of impairment and safety equipment. Officers educated eight operators and charged two others on parts of the Canada Shipping Act pertaining to required safety equipment and required vessel and operator documentation. One operator was issued an offence notice, was subject to a liquor seizure and a three-day driver's licence suspension after providing a breath sample on the screening device after officers noted a liquor violation on his vessel.
Marine members responded to eight calls for service, which included assisting Parks Canada park wardens with an intoxicated 53-year-old Penetanguishene male causing problems for other campers, responding to wake and speed complaints by vessels on Penetang Bay along with other calls for service.
Vessel operators are reminded to operate their vessels under 9 km/hr within 30 metres of shoreline to limit damage to shoreline property and moored vessels, also to prevent a possible collision with other vessels departing or arriving at dockages or marinas. For more information, please click here.
The popular "I Got Caught Wearing My Life-jacket' program continues, thanks to the generous support of Maple Leaf Marinas in partnership with Graffiti Art, rewarding youth who are "caught" by marine officers wearing their life-jackets.
If you have boating equipment or navigation questions please go to the following site for further information.
The following YouTube video from the Canadian Safe Boating Council will demonstrate why having the proper safety equipment could save your life, especially in cooler water temperatures.
Remember, if you see a possible impaired operator make the call and dial 911 and help prevent a marine tragedy.
*****************************
