SUBMITTED BY THE OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding Ontario residents and tourists that being well-informed about Ontario safe boating practices and laws can go a long way to ensure an enjoyable and tragedy-free boating season.
On Wednesday July 3, 2019 just after 3:30 p.m., Prince Edward County OPP detachment received a 911 call from a resident from Lake on the Mountain in North Marysburgh Ward of Prince Edward County who observed several people in the water calling out in distress.
OPP determined four out-of-town visitors had rented a canoe and kayaks from a local watercraft agency and the canoe overturned. A 68-year-old male was rescued from the water not wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) and was taken to hospital.
From May 1, 2019 to June 26, 2019 Prince Edward OPP have checked 125 vessels on local waterways. A total of four persons have been charged with failing to have a PFD on board or improper equipment on their vessel under the Canada Shipping Act – Small Vessel Regulations.
OPP data continues to confirm that the vast majority of victims who die in fatal boating incidents are not wearing a life jacket. With capsized vessels and falling overboard being the top contributing factors in boating deaths every year, make wearing a life jacket part of every boat outing.
The Canadian Red Cross and Transport Canada have excellent information about PFDs and lifejackets on their websites. Here are some helpful links:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-equipment-lifejackets-information-1324.htm