NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the OPP Marine Patrol attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted 34 hours of patrol on the waters of Georgian Bay within the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene and the Townships of Tiny, Tay and Georgian Bay over the weekend of June 8 - June 11, 2020.
OPP Marine Unit officers aboard their patrol vessels stopped and checked 21 vessels for proper vessel equipment and officers did administer two roadside screening device tests resulting in one operator having his drivers licence suspended for three days.
The officers also visited four area marina's and made themselves available for marine educational questions from marina patrons along with conducting five cottage country property checks during their patrol time.
Assistance was also provided by the Marine Unit to Collingwood and Huronia West Detachment's in the early hours of June 11, 2020 during a 17 hour search for a missing person search on Nottawasaga Bay.
Boaters should also check the following websites and comply with any restrictions before planning to go ashore on your favourite island in Georgian Bay.
Beausoleil First Nations Lands http://www.chimnissing.ca/
Georgian Bay Islands National Park https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/georg
Georgian Bay Township https://www.gbtownship.ca/en/index.aspx
Officers crewing the OPP patrol vessel's 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 site - https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm and the attached MADD Canada poster
Police remind operators that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our waterways. Educating the public about safe vessel operating practices is a priority.
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