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Police focusing on booze and boats

It is also an offence to have open liquor in your vessel unless it is anchored or tied to a dock for the night and has permanent washroom, cooking and sleeping facilities.
drinking and boating shutterstock_75417688 2016

Over the next two weeks, July 15 to August 1, members of the North Bay OPP Marine Unit will be focusing on the lakes and rivers. 

Officers are concerned because they are seeing alcohol and mandatory equipment related offences.

Police also receive numerous calls of unattended marine vessels floating on the lake. Police have to verify as to what has happened.  Has the vessel floated away from someone’s dock or shore or has someone(s) fallen overboard?   Time spent on these calls takes away time from more serious calls. The OPP is reminding people to ensure that vessels and property by the water is secure.

Here is a list of some things to think about before you head out for a day on the lake;

  • Drinking and boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving, and the same Criminal Code laws apply. It is also an offence to have open liquor in your vessel unless it is anchored or tied to a dock for the night and has permanent washroom, cooking and sleeping facilities
  • Check the load capacity of your boat. Take a second trip, if necessary, to avoid over loading your boat. Distribute the load evenly so that your vessel is not prone to tipping or taking on water.
  • Boating restriction regulations limit speed to 10 km/hour when operating within 30 meters of shore.
  • Every vessel must have a personal floatation device or life jacket of appropriate size for each person on board.  They must also be accessible to all.