With the start of this year's boating season underway, the Ontario Provincial Police has some advice to keep you and your family safe on the region's waterways.
"Use the time before you launch your vessel to educate yourselves on boating regulations," said OPP Essex County Detachment Inspector Glen Miller. "If necessary, reach out to us as we are able to provide boating education briefings."
A slight change in the legislation means those piloting smaller boats will not have to keep as many flares aboard, so long as it is equipped with a two-way communication device like a VHF radio or cell phone, a personal locator beacon, and an emergency position beacon. If you have those, you can keep half as many flares on your boat.
Small vessels include but are not limited to paddleboards, water-cycles, sealed hull and sit-on-top kayaks, canoes, rowboats, rowing shells, sailboats, and kiteboards.
Police will have zero tolerance for impaired driving on the waterways and remind boaters the penalty for boating under the influence of cannabis is the same as it is for drinking.
Properly functioning, fitted, and approved lifejackets and personal floatation devices are critical, and the marine unit will be watching closely to ensure everyone on board has one.
