Submitted by Michelle Simard, coordinator, Cochrane District Crime Stoppers Board
Summer days means summer activities. The Ontario Provincial Police need the public’s help in ensuring everyone enjoys a safe summer.
We all want to get out onto the water, whether that be on a boat, personal watercraft or kayak.
Things to remember:
- Boaters must have a Pleasure Craft Operators Card.
- NO person under the age of 16 shall drive a Personal Watercraft no matter the supervision. The owner and driver can face fines up to $350.
- Kayakers should be traveling along the shores of the water rather than in the middle to allow passage for motorized vessels
- Always have the required safety equipment such as lifejacket, heavy line, sound signaling device, flashlight, hand bailer
- Consuming alcohol on any vessel is not permitted. Impaired driving on a vessel has the same consequences as driving a vehicle.
As a community let’s keep our waterways safe and our summers filled with fun. If you see any unsafe behavior on waterways call Crime Stoppers right now at 1-800-222-TIPS, use the internet at www.P3tips.com or download the P3 app. If your information leads to an arrest you could be eligible to earn up to $2,000 in cash. You will remain anonymous and will not have to testify in court. That is our promise to you, the tipster.
Do the right thing. Call Crime Stoppers.
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