Kayaking fatality start of busy weekend for marine police

MIDLAND — Friday’s kayaking fatality off Midland Bay Woods got the OPP Marine Patrol boats off to a tragic start on its weekend patrol.

OPP marine units were busy over the three-day weekend stopping 52 boats in 52 hours on the water.

The Southern Georgian Bay detachment was checking area boaters for proper vessel equipment and driver sobriety while on patrol aboard the OPP patrol Vessel Thomas P. Coffin, the Boston Whaler and were also assisted by members of the OPP Central Region SAVE Team over the weekend of June 15-17.

Officers stopped and checked 52 vessels during their 52 hours of patrol on Georgian Bay and Six Mile Lake resulting in eight charges under the Canada Shipping act and one charge under the Trespass to Property Act of Ontario.

Of note, was the fact that six persons were cited for failing to have sufficient life jackets aboard their vessel or not wearing their new style inflatable PFD’s as required by the Act when checked by the officers.

Please see the attached Inflatable PFD’s Use Information.

Officers were also dispatched and investigated a fatal boating incident in the afternoon of Friday June 15, 2018 just off Midland Bay Woods in Tay Township in which sadly a female Tay Township resident passed away.

Officers crewing the OPP Patrol Vessel Thomas P. Coffin remind all vessel operators that they are checking for vessel equipment and for liquor offences which they are vigorously enforcing in an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities on our area waterways this summer. For more information on safe vessel operation and equipment please view the following web sites.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm

http://www.tc.gc.ca/fra/securitemaritime/desn-bsn-menu-1362.htm

Police remind motorists that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, roadways and waterways. Educating the public about safe driving practices is a priority.