Lifejackets A Must For Every Vessel Occupant
(MIDLAND, On)- The marine unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with members of the OPP Central Region (SAVE) Snowmobile, ATV and Vessel Enforcement Team are still finding people even in this later part of the boating season, onboard vessels without lifejackets – your primary piece of drowning prevention safety equipment while patrolling the waterways in north Simcoe.
During the officers 49 hours of patrol on area waterways between August 8-12 checking 48 vessels resulted in ten mariners being charged and two others being warned for the offence of having insufficient lifejackets aboard. Fourteen operators were educated and twelve were charged for Canada Shipping Act violations and one person was educated and one was charged for liquor violations. Three vessel operators provided breath samples on the roadside screening device resulting in two 3-day drivers licence suspensions in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines. A focused enforcement patrol beachfront shoreline along Tiny Township for watercraft speed and equipment resulted in four charges to vessel operators. (See attached vessel speed poster)
Wearing your lifejacket while on the water even now with the hot days of summer being upon us, will increase your chances of survival if you should go overboard into cool water. Be prepared for these still cool summertime water temperatures especially out in the greater areas of Georgian Bay by having the appropriate number of approved lifejackets and or floater suits on board for all vessel occupants. https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/office-boating-safety?utm_campaign=tc-boating-safety-ongoing&utm_medium=vurl&utm_source=tc-gc-ca-boatingsafety
Educating Young Mariners to Wear Their Lifejackets
The “I Got Caught Wearing My Lifejacket” water safety program has been in place on OPP patrolled waterways for many years and continues to enjoy great success in educating young mariners in North Simcoe the value in having and wearing your lifejacket while on the water. This week some youngsters visiting from Germany got caught and got their reward! (See attached OPP submitted photograph)
The Detachment Auxiliary Unit took the opportunity of the amazing weather and sunset to take in some marine training so members can assist the marine unit in their duties aboard the OPP patrol vessel Thomas P. Coffin. (See attached photographs)
Remember, if you see a possible impaired operator “Make the Call” and dial 911 and help prevent a marine tragedy and always have an eye to the sky for changing weather conditions.
