OPP officers gather in Gravenhurst for annual marine training

The OPP marine unit undergoes training in Gravenhurst as part of its annual program.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers are in Gravenhurst this week for the organization’s annual marine training program, which is part of a five-year agreement between the OPP and the town.

Sgt. Dave Moffatt, provincial marine coordinator, has been training police candidates in the program for more than 20 years and said the training is beneficial for all officers involved.

“Boating is not an easy thing to do,” said Moffatt. “It is important these officers are fully aware of the hazards that are out there.”

The training takes two weeks to complete with a focus on navigating waters, water safety, and boat launching.

“Navigation is probably 80 per cent of the course,” added Moffatt. “You need to be able to look at the starboard marker and determine what they need to do what side they need to go on,”

Most officers participating in the training will be back in their communities promoting safe operation of water vessels.

“The training is to make them aware that they have a big role in their communities - to make sure they spread the information,” said Moffatt. “You have to let people know that it is pretty easy to get home at night, but you have to be aware of the hazards that are out there.”

Officers participating in the course said the knowledge being passed along will serve them well in the communities they work in.

“We have a river that runs right next to the community, so safe boating practices are extremely important,” said Const. Allen Noh of Moosonee OPP. “If you fall overboard the river current can take you so stressing important factors like wearing your life jacket or PFD is something you can take away from the training.”

The OPP has also partnered with other police agencies in the province and often invite them to participate in the training.

Members of the Treaty Three Police service were also in attendance and said the marine training is beneficial for their job.

“Two of our communities are boat access only so this training is crucial for us to get down and respond to service calls as needed,” said Const. Mac Smith, with Treaty Three Police.

Safety is OPP’s top priority when out on the water.

“The safer you are, the safer your family is, the easier job we have,” said Moffatt. “So be prepared, know the equipment that is required on your vessel.”

Police say there have already been four fatalities on the water so far this year, all of which they say could have been avoided if life jackets had been worn. “It should be a no-brainer with the technology out there right now,” said Moffatt. “If you don’t have a life jacket on, you are really putting yourself at risk.”

As the May long weekend approaches, the OPP is urging boaters to use caution and courtesy when out on the water. Police will be out on the water throughout the weekend enforcing water safety and checking for life jackets.