NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the Marine Patrol attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted 33 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 during the week of May 25-28, 2020.
OPP Marine Unit officers aboard their patrol vessels stopped and checked 64 vessels for proper vessel equipment and driver sobriety. A number of vessel operators were charged for violations under the Canada Shipping Act (CSA) such as speeding (1) and failing to have sufficient life jackets (1) and Liquor Licence Act (LLA) (2) and 21 other operators were warned for minor infractions under the Small Vessel Regulations Act. One vessel operator provided a breath sample for analysis of the presence of alcohol by a Roadside Screening Device (ASD) which had a pass result.
Officers continue reward young vessel operators and passengers who were observed wearing their Life Jacket with the popular "I Got Caught Wearing My Life Jacket" T-Shirt program.
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
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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