OPP warns boaters of water safety

REGIONAL - With the start of the 2021 marine season now underway, the Ontario Provincial Police Essex County marine unit wants to ensure the safety of those traversing area waterways.

The 2021 focus will again be that of smaller pleasure craft type vessels, specifically to the proper preparation and inclusion of safety equipment aboard these vessels occupying waters within close proximity to shore.

Small vessels include, but are not limited to paddleboards, water-cycles, sealed hull and sit-on-top kayaks, as well as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rowing shells, sailboards and kiteboards.

The use of properly functioning fitted and approved lifejackets and Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’s) is critical and will be monitored by the OPP marine unit during the 2021 boating season.

A zero tolerance approach will be taken to the improper possession and consumption of alcohol on waterways with a reminder that impaired driving due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs, including cannabis, holds the same penalty as it does when operating a motor vehicle.