Emergency officials preach safe boating and swimming this long weekend

Emergency officials preach safe boating and swimming this long weekend

With the long weekend approaching emergency services are preparing for a busy weekend on the waterways.

Richard Renaud, fire chief for Midland and Penetanguishene, said they want all to enjoy themselves on the water but in a safe manner.

“We want people to enjoy themselves, but we need to be safe around the water,” said Renaud. “Wear lifejackets and where possible, for parents to stay close to their children and arms-length, anything more than that is dangerous.”

Provincial police are on the water patrolling and enforcing the rules making sure everyone is operating on the water safely.

Const. Kent Anderson patrols parts of Georgian Bay and said it is important to have and wear the proper safety device.

“We always recommend that you wear your lifejacket and to be of the appropriate size and [fit],” said Anderson.

He added that its important to check the tether on children’s lifejackets as it could keep them from falling off if they fall in the water.

According to the OPP, there have been nine reported water deaths throughout the central region and police are advising boaters to take extra precaution this long weekend.

“Wear the lifejacket, we can’t stress that enough,” said Anderson. “In my marine career there’s been many people saved because they wore their lifejacket, chose to wear it, and therefore, the outcome, yes, they were cold, but they were rescued and saved.”

Speeding in Georgian Bay has also been a problem this summer.

OPP have been in channels near Picnic Island cracking down on speed.

“It has to be nine kilometers, it is posted, and they have, buoys that are posted as well as signs in Picnic Island, Delawana, and Church Bay,” said Anderson. “This whole bay here is nine kilometers.

“It’s the speed limits,” added Anderson. “Reduces wake from all the vessels, and therefore, reduces destruction on all the cottages, docks and, surrounding area.”

OPP reminds the public that there will be zero-tolerance for impaired driving.

“Impaired is impaired and, the definition of a vessel on the waterways, all vessels, including stand up paddle board, kayak, canoe, paddle boat - it doesn’t have to be motorized - and you can be charged with impaired operation aboard a vessel,” added Anderson.

OPP and emergency services will be out patrolling the waterways and shorelines this long weekend promoting smart boating and safe swimming.