NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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MIDLAND - Members of the OPP Marine Unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) provided 21 hours of active marine patrol time on the waters of Georgian Bay and Six Mile Lake over the holiday Aug. 2-5, 2019 long weekend.
OPP marine officers checked 20 vessels and operators for proper vessel equipment and sobriety while patrolling the waters of Georgian Bay and responded to 13 calls for marine related service from the public.
Eight of those calls were for false 911 calls from cell phones which consumed a large amount of patrol time by the officers. Vessel operators are reminded to secure their cell phones to help prevent these false 911 calls which needlessly tie up police and emergency response resources.
Officers while patrolling the Tiny Township shoreline answering complaints in regards to personal watercraft and small self powered vessels operation, did issue three offence notices to operators contravening sections of the Canada Shipping Act for not having sufficient life-jackets and equipment.
On Sunday, Aug. 5, 2019 officers conducted five hours of patrol on Six Mile Lake checking 23 vessels for proper vessel equipment and sobriety. One operator was charged under the Liquor Licence Act and was administered a Roadside Screening test to check for sobriety and passed. Officers investigated one vessel noise/ speed related occurrence along with a false 911 hang-up call.
OPP marine officers remind all vessel operators that regardless whether your operating a big boat or a little boat, everyone aboard needs to have a lifejacket.
For more information please view the following educational links from the Office of Safe Boating:
For anyone who is unsure of the equipment required for their vessel please view the following link to get the "APP" for their mobile device here or here or view the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide.
Police remind vessel operators that an essential part of our enforcement effort is to save lives and reduce injuries on our waterways while promoting and educating the public about safe boating practices. Your Lifejacket only works if YOU'RE WEARING IT!
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