NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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MIDLAND – Members of the Marine Unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were actively patrolling area waterways checking vessels and operators for equipment and signs of impairment over the Victoria Day Weekend and will be doing the same this weekend.
OPP marine officers checked 137 vessels during their 36 hours of patrol time resulting in 16 offence notices being handed out for equipment and speeding offences; 45 warnings were also given to operators for vessel equipment and registration infractions.
One operator was given a Roadside Screening Device (ASD) test for sobriety and passed as officers remain vigilant for signs of impairment on the waterways. Along with responding for calls for service the officers also conducted security checks on nine cottages during their patrol time.
Vessel operators and passengers are reminded that area waters are still cold despite the sunny weather of late. The need to check your vessel for having all the required safety equipment is as always very important and unfortunately only tested in the case of an emergency.
Remember, life jackets only work if you wear them!
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
Any operator who is unsure of the equipment required for their vessel please view the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide at https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm. An essential part our enforcement effort is to save lives and reduce injuries on our waterways while promoting and educating the public about safe boating practices.
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