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 38 hours of marine patrol on the waters of Georgian Bay and Six Mile Lake during the August 12-16, 2020 time period.
The marine unit members checked 49 vessels and their operators for any signs of impairment and for having all of the required equipment during their patrol time covering the waterways from Wasaga Beach to the Big Chute Railway on the Trent Severn system.
Patrol time was also focused on personal watercraft operation in the area of Jackson Beach Park and Balm Beach and also 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:
- One vessel operator was charged with failing to have sufficient life jackets for all persons aboard
- Two vessel operators were charged for not having a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
- Two persons were charged with having or consuming liquor in other than a licenced place.
- Two operators were charged with failing to have a spotter while towing a skier or tube.
- 15 warnings were conveyed to vessel operators by the officers for various marine equipment issues.
Drinking and Driving Investigations on the water
- Four operators provided breath samples into the Approved Screening Device (ASD)
- Two vessel operators received a three-day (ADLS) suspension for registering a "Warn" on the ASD.
Educational Marine Safety Media Event
- Marine officers participated at the Penetanguishene Town Dock on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, for the 'kick-off' of the 'I Got Caught Wearing My Life Jacket' educational T-shirt reward program for young boaters.
Joint Enforcement Agency Patrols
- OPP Marine officers were joined by a Canada Parks Warden over the weekend to assist in investigations on and around Beausoleil Island National Park.
- The Marine Unit also visited six area marinas and made themselves available for marine educational questions from marina patrons during their patrol time along with responding to 10 calls for service from the public. Vessel operators are encouraged to view the following educational videos on the effects of alcohol and cannabis https://csbc.ca/en/operation-dry-water .
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 drinking and operating a vessel please view the following web video from our community partner Arrive Alive - https://youtu.be/rH5pvi0Bgoo en Francais https://youtu.be/mz0F605wXvw
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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