OPP Marine unit charging boaters without lifejackets

OPP News Release

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WEST PARRY SOUND - The West Parry Sound Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Marine Unit was out on the water over the weekend.

On Saturday June 1 at approximately 12:13 p.m., a vessel was stopped on Whitefish Lake. Davide PALLAZO, 36 years of age from Norfolk County, was charged with No Lifejacket the Canada Shipping Act - Small Vessel Regulation.

On Sunday June 2 at approximately 9:17 a.m., a canoe on Lake Manitouwabing was checked by the OPP Marine Unit. Police observed two males on board and only one lifejacket. Michael HILDEN, 32 years of age from Oakville, was charged with Insufficient Lifejackets contrary to the Canada Shipping Act - Small Vessel Regulation. The canoe was also missing a whistle, a flashlight, a heaving line and a bailing bucket to which the operator received a warning.

Police remind pleasure craft operators to have sufficient lifejackets for all persons on-board and to meet the minimum safety standard. For more information on what you require to operate your vessel on Ontario's waterways, please visit Transport Canada's Marine Safety page at http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/menu.htm.

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