OPP Marine Unit Urges Mariners To Wear Your Lifejacket This Weekend
Message Remains The Same
(MIDLAND, On)- This weekend after another week of high temperatures, the message remains the same from the OPP Marine Unit for boaters and swimmers to wear your life jackets if your on the water and for young swimmers and those who are unsure of their swimming abilities while here in North Simcoe.
Marine officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) logged 39 hours during the July 11-15, 2025, period patrolling waterways in the Detachment patrol area aboard the OPP patrol vessel Thomas P. Coffin.
Officers conducted 25 vessel checks for vessel equipment and for signs of driver impairment resulting in two operators being charged under the Provincial statues and further two operators were charged under the Canada Shipping Act.
Three vessel operators were warned for various minor offences under the Canada Shipping Act discovered during the officer’s checks.
Officers responded to eight calls for service from the public made to the OPP Communications Center including speeding complaints in the Little Chute area of the Trent Severn System and in the Honey Harbour area as well as the Tiny Township shoreline. Patrol time was also dedicated to assisting the Beausoleil First Nations (BFN) with educating boaters that the lands of Christian Island, Hope Island and Beckwith Island are all part of Beausoleil First Nation and where indicated visitors/boaters are subject to fees dictated and collected by the Band . (See attached photographs)
Water Safety
The OPP and our water safety partner The Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) urge everyone to think safety and respect when on/in/near water this weekend. (See the attached graphics)
If you see a possible impaired operator “Make the Call” and dial 911 and help prevent a marine tragedy. (See submitted graphics) This summer let’s always remember to put that life jacket on before heading out for an enjoyable day on the bay.
