Water Sports

The 2022 Boating Season Is Upon Us

(ESSEX COUNTY, ON) – With the upcoming pleasant weather and spring and boating season finally upon us, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Essex County would like to remind the public of crucial marine safety tips for an enjoyable boating experience.

Pleasure craft vessels include but are not limited to the following; paddleboats, watercycles, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, rowboats, rowing shells, sailboards, kiteboards, personal watercrafts, sailboats and powerboats.

On average over the past 10 years, 86% of fatalities and boating collisions were as a result of lacking safety equipment.  Almost 29% of these occurred on Saturday’s and 92% involved males.

Over the past 7 years, 40% were as a result of a boat capsizing and 40% were due to someone falling overboard; 36% involved kayaks or canoes and 37% involved motorized boats.

The OPP in Essex County will be patrolling surrounding waterways 24/7, enforcing boating and marine laws.

The boating community is reminded that a zero tolerance approach will be taken with regards to the consumption of alcohol or drugs on our waterways and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, including cannabis, holds the same penalty as it does when operating a motor vehicle.

The use of properly fitted and approved life jackets and personal flotation devices (PDF) is critical and will be monitored by our dedicated marine unit this and every season. For more information on PDF’s, you may visit www.wearalifejacket.com.

For more information regarding boating laws and requirements, you may visit www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety or you can contact the Essex County OPP Marine Unit.

Failing to adhere to prescribed laws, could result in fines as follows:

– Operating a vessel if you are under age–$250

– Failing to have proof of competency on board–$250

– Failing to have the required pleasure craft licence on board–$250

– Operating a boat in a careless manner, without due care and attention for others—$350

– Operating a vessel with safety equipment not in good working order or not readily accessible and available for immediate use—$200

– Operating human-powered pleasure craft without PDF’s or lifejackets of appropriate size for each person on board—$200 (plus $100 for each PDF or lifejacket missing)

– Operating a vessel in an unsafe manner–$500

– Operating a vessel to tow a person on water or in air without a person on board other than the operation keeping watch on every person being towed—$250

“As the recreational boating season is now upon us, the OPP wants to ensure the safe enjoyment of our vast waterway system throughout Essex County. It’s important that everyone adheres to all boating laws to ensure your boating safety in 2022. Our lakes and rivers remain cold and any sudden exposure to cold water can instantly paralyze your muscles leaving you breathless in the water and moments from immersion. Should you survive the shock of the cold water, hypothermia is the next imminent danger.

Impaired operation of a vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will result in a very serious consequence. You can expect to see our OPP Marine Units on the water so before you launch your various forms of pleasure craft vessels, ensure you are in compliance. Enjoy this boating season and please help us to ensure your experiences are positive,” says Essex County OPP Inspector Glenn MILLER.

Anyone with information regarding this or any other incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.catchcrooks.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Image by barryrjonesjr from Pixabay

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