Ontario Provincial Police are reminding boaters to check safety equipment before heading out on the water.
Marine officers are now on patrol, checking for proper equipment and signs of impairment.
Top reasons for boating fatalities:
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) May 7, 2024
1. Capsizing
2. Fall overboard
3. Collision with another boat
4. Collision with fixed object/land.
Safety tips from Stacy from the @TPSMarineUnit on Lake Ontario. ^ks pic.twitter.com/55yuFE1BiT
This past weekend, they checked 21 vessels while on the waterways here in North Simcoe.
That resulted in five citations, including four for offences under the Canada Shipping Act.
The fifth went to a 40-year-old Toronto man who OPP say had open alcohol on board.
“Operators should be aware that it is the same on the water as it is on the road and officers can administer a screening device test for alcohol consumption and a fail result may lead to charges under the Criminal Code of Canada,” OPP said in a news release.
If you spot a boat operator you believe could be impaired, call 911.