This is Safe Boating Week right across the country — and the OPP are taking part in the National event.
OPP Constable Steve Starr says their goal this week is to ensure vessel operators and passengers have all the knowledge and equipment to be safe on the water.
Starr says PFD’s or personal flotation devices are a priority when boating.
Stats show nearly nine out of ten recreational boaters who drown are found without a life jacket or PFD.
Starr notes the law requires that boaters carry approved PFD’s for each person on board, and recommend they be worn at all times on the water.
Starr also points out that our waterways are still very cold and can be deadly as hypothermia can set in quickly.
As part of “Operation Lookout ” — if you observe an impaired vessel operator, call 911 and report it.
Starr says you may save their life or the life of another.
Under the new regulations — you must have a pleasure craft operator card to operate a boat.
Up to half of the six million boaters in Canada do not have a license and if you are stopped and don’t produce a license — you face a 250 dollar fine.
