Safe Boating Awareness Week leads to 6 charges

MIDLAND — Ten people, two canoes, a kayak — and only one life jacket.

The OPP Marine Unit charged six people.

That was the highlight of this weekend’s police check on Georgian Bay.

Aside from that, the first long weekend of the summer was a relatively safe one ofshore here.

Members of the Marine Unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment were out patrolling the waters to kick off Safe Boating Awareness Week.

The four marine officers logged over 33 hours of patrol time on OPP vessels during their 12 hour shifts on May 18-21, stopping numerous vessels during this time checking for operator sobriety and vessel equipment.

A total of 6 charges were issued including:

(1) for Vessel Equipment Deficiencies under the Canada Shipping Act Small Vessel Regulations

(4) for Life Jacket violations under the Canada Shipping Act Small Vessel Regulations

(1) for Liquor violations under the Liquor Licence Act

Please view the following link from the Canadian Safe Boating Council https://csbc.ca/en/safe-boating-awareness-week https://csbc.ca/fr/semaine-nautique-de-securite along with attachments on Boat Notes and Impaired Driving.

Police remind vessel operators that an essential part our enforcement effort is to save lives and reduce injuries on our waterways while promoting and educating the public about safe boating practices.

Or follow them on Twitter @OPP_CR and at #BoatSafeSGB