Lifejackets A Must For Every Vessel Occupant
(MIDLAND, On)- The marine unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police continued to find mariners over the August long weekend who failed to have the primary piece of drowning prevention equipment on board for all occupants – Lifejackets.
During the officers 82 hours of patrol on area waterways between July 30 – August 7 checking 104 vessels, five mariners were charged and four others were warned for the offence of having insufficient lifejackets aboard. Twelve operators were educated for Canada Shipping Act violations and three persons were charged for liquor violations. Four anglers were charged with fish and game violations.
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. (See attached OPP submitted 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.
