OPP Looking To Keep Area Waterways Safe

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With school out and Canada Day approaching , the summer season is upon us, and the OPP want to ensure that everyone enjoys the warm weather especially those who will be spending it on the area’s waterways.

The Essex County OPP Marine Unit work in partnership with Windsor Police Marine Unit, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Marine Unit the Coast Guard and other local police agencies including LaSalle and Amhersturg enforcing the Canada Shipping Act, the Fish and Wildlife Act, the Liquor License Act and the Criminal Code, ensuring that all appropriate laws and statutes are being followed.

They also work in co-operation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S Border Patrol, United States Coast Guard as well as the Detroit Police Marine unit and other local, state and county police agencies on issues that relate to border security on our waterways.

Working the OPP will be students from our Student Marine Program who are between the ages 18 and 24. They will be assisting the Marine Unit with vessel maintenance and attending community events promoting water and boating safety.

OPP say that the number one cause of fatalities on the water is because people are not wearing a proper Personal Floatation Device. Last year 20 people died on Ontario waterways, and of those, 85% wear not wearing a PFD. It is not only driver’s responsibility to ensure that there is a PFD for everyone on board they are also responsible for their safety as well. Many fatalities also involve speed and alcohol as a contributing factor.