Pottahawk Sunday: OPP stress safety, impaired boating enforcement

The second Sunday in July means it’s Pottahawk weekend, July 13, 2025 (Karis Mapp/CTV News).

Norfolk County OPP officers are reminding everyone planning to attend Pottahawk Sunday that a safe and enjoyable day on Lake Erie begins with responsible choices.

Each year, thousands of people travel by boat to Pottahawk Point for the annual gathering. This year’s event is on Sunday, July 19.

“While most enjoy the event responsibly, officers continue to respond to incidents involving alcohol, impaired boating, missing or stranded individuals, and boaters without a safe way to return to shore,” said a news release from police.

Boaters are encouraged to plan their return trip before leaving shore and avoid accepting unknown passengers who may not have made arrangements to get home safely.

Here’s what OPP will be doing:

• Officers will be present at local marinas and patrolling Lake Erie throughout the day.
• Vessel checks will be conducted to ensure operators have the required safety equipment and are complying with applicable boating laws. Designated safety lanes must remain clear at all times to allow emergency personnel to respond quickly when needed.
• Officers will also patrol area roadways, focusing on unsafe driving behaviours, including impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and failure to wear a seatbelt.

Anyone planning to attend Pottahawk Sunday is encouraged to prepare in advance:

• Wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) while boating. It cannot protect you if you are not wearing it.
• Never operate a boat while impaired. Impaired boating carries the same consequences as impaired driving on the road.
• Ensure your vessel is equipped with all required safety equipment.
• Check weather and marine conditions before departing and continue to monitor changing conditions throughout the day.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Carry a reliable means of communication, such as a VHF radio or fully charged cellphone.
• Carry your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).
• Designate a sober operator with a valid PCOC for the return trip.