Heading into the Civic holiday weekend, Lambton OPP is reminding everyone to be safe on the water.
Cst. Jamie Bydeley said boaters must have required equipment on their vessel and ensure it's in working order.
"A lot of times when our officers go and do vessel checks, they come across individuals who maybe have the equipment on board, but it's not functioning," said Bydeley. "Flashlight batteries die, flares expire, lifejackets... making sure everyone on board has an appropriate sized lifejacket and they're within reach, if not wearing them."
He said the OPP has a zero tolerance for lifejacket and boater sobriety infractions.
"Impaired boating is a criminal offence and so we want to make sure that the operators of these boats are doing so safely and within the guidelines."
Bydeley said Marine Unit officers are frequently patrolling the St. Clair River and lower Lake Huron.
#LambtonOPP marine unit will be out on Lake Huron and St. Clair river this weekend, ensuring safe boating practices and sober boating. Ensure everyone on board has an appropriately sized life jacket and they are within easy access. No exceptions. #SafeBoating ^jb pic.twitter.com/QwwjRPRpaq
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) July 29, 2021
"We have officers on the water almost every day of the week. There's usually at least one or two marine calls that they can go and help out with, so it's handy having them there and available and on the water ready to go to respond to calls."
Firefighter marine units in Sarnia and Point Edward assisted with two incidents on the water last weekend.
Luckily, no serious injuries were reported.
