The OPP and CFB Trenton Search and Rescue rescued three people on Lake Ontario at Wellington Wednesday.
The East Region of the Ontario Provincial Police tweeted out that two people and a four-month-old baby were in an inflatable raft that ran over some land, popping the boat.
Search and Rescue and the Marine Unit of the OPP were called into action and brought the three in safe and sound.
None of them were wearing life jackets and they had no safety equipment.
Officers say you need to bring flotation devices for everyone, and ensure you always have safety equipment in case something goes wrong.
BELOW ARE SAFETY TIPS PROVIDED BY THE WELLINGTON AUXILIARY RESCUE ASSOCIATION AND THEIR REPORT OF THE INCIDENT
Wednesday Wellington Rescue responded to a call routed from the OPP involving two persons and a baby stuck on foot on the east side of the Wellington Channel.
They had crossed the channel earlier in the day on a pool floatie to spend a few hours on the Sandbanks Beach side of the harbour. Sometime during their trip their inflatable ring got ripped on a tree and they were unable to cross back across the harbour.
It is not in Wellington Rescue’s mandate to fine/charge/enforce any marine regulations. Our purpose is to respond to emergencies, inform the public of safety concerns and do our best to get people home safely, and we’re happy that the individuals were able to be delivered back to the docks safely.
While this event ended with everyone home safe, there were several concerns that we would like to take the opportunity to use as a teaching moment for others.
LIFE JACKETS
It is your decision whether or not to wear a life jacket, but if you are travelling over water with an infant put a PFD on them. YES, they make PFDs for everyone, including infants.
HEATSTROKE
People, it’s hot out there, especially on the water where the sun is most reflective. Drink lots of water and bring something to help give you shade if you need it. Don’t assume that your quick trip is going to be just that, PREPARE. Your short trip could end up being several hours in the sun if something goes wrong.
PLANNING
Make a plan. Tell others where you are going, and when you expect to return.
COMMUNICATION
Have a way to communicate. Luckily these people had a cell phone and got a signal. If they hadn’t or their phone got wet, the outcome could have been much different. Have a way to call for help if you find yourself in an emergency.
FOLLOW GUIDELINES
I know it’s hot out there, and we’re all bored and itching to be outside. But the beaches are closed. Having to deploy a rescue team to an area that is supposed to be closed off to the public might not be an ideal situation. It puts yourself at risk, and risks first responders.
LIFE JACKETS
Did I mention life jackets? Yes. But every time I’m out on the water I see people not wearing them. Infants & children should ALWAYS be wearing a life jacket while on the water!
In the end we’re happy that we were able to help these people and get them back safely. Hopefully several lessons were learned and they will be able to make safer decisions in the future. The two adults each received an $880 fine from the OPP for failing to comply with an emergency order for being on the beach. It’s an expensive lesson, but it was a situation that could have ended up much worse.
Our job is to make sure that people get the help they need when they need it, and we’re glad that we were able to do that.
