(WEST PARRY SOUND, ON) – At approximately 2:15 p.m. on August 2, 2015 members of the West Parry Sound Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a marine call on Georgian Bay. A large white SEARAY Cabin Cruiser powerboat was eastbound through the channels towards Parry Sound. The powerboat was throwing a large wake and was only a short distance from cottage docks. The wake crashed into the docks and the boats moored against them, causing damage.
The boat driver, Lovro GOTOVAC, 67 years of age from King Township was charged with Operate vessel in a careless manner, without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons, contrary to the Canada Shipping Act – Small Vessel Regulation (CSA-SVR).
Over and above its focus on alcohol and drug impaired boaters and other reckless behaviour on the water, OPP marine members promote safety through equipment checks. They encourage the wearing of personal floatation devices in all vessels. Many fatal boating incidents over the years could have been prevented if personal floatation devices had been worn.
For more safety information check online at http://www.redcross.ca/what-we-do/swimming-and-water-safety/swimming-boating-and-water-safety-tips