Boater fined twice on Lake Simcoe

BARRIE A Barrie boater out for pleasure ride faces a second, more serious charge of dangerous operation after originally being charged without a PFD.

Conservation officers and the OPP have laid charges against a 22-yer-old boater.

Conservation Officers with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) says they were on uniformed patrol on the waters of Lake Simcoe conducting angler checks and vessel safety inspections May 12.

The wardens stopped a lone boater operating a small aluminum fishing boat several kilometres from the shore.

The 22-year-old male was not wearing a life jacket nor did not have a life jacket on board the vessel.

He was issued an offence notice for failing to have a personal flotation device.

The male took exception to the ticket and sped off in a dangerous manner, nearly colliding with the MNR boat, say the wardens, before fleeing into shallow waters where the larger MNR boat was unable to follow.

Due to the criminal nature of the incident an investigation was conducted by the OPP.

Charged with Dangerous Operation of a Vessel is Jason Seguin.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear on July 9, 2018 at the Ontario Court of Justice, Barrie.

The Barrie OPP would like to remind the public to wear their Personal Floatation Devices at all times when on the water. PFDs will only work if they are worn.

Members of the Barrie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit Crime Stoppers at: www.p3tips.com or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).