Busy weekend for marine police and rescue agencies in the Golden Horseshoe

This past weekend proved to be a very busy one on the waters of western Lake Ontario. Local police marine units as well as Coast Guard auxiliary units had little down time as calls for service kept coming in all weekend; from flipped Seadoos to vessel collisions, capsized sailboats and persons in the water. Fortunately for all involved, reports of injuries were minimal.

These incidents underscore the importance of safe boating practices and proper safety equipment.

The Hamilton Police Marine Unit is reminding all boaters:

Be sure to have a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board

Wearing your PFD is strongly encouraged. Like the seatbelt in your car, your PFD won’t work if you don’t wear it!

Ensure you have all required safety equipment on board your vessel and that everything is in good working order.

Always check the marine weather forecast before heading out, and return to port when signs of thunderstorms or other dangerous weather appear. You can check the marine forecast at: www.weather.gc.ca and monitor conditions on VHF Continuous Marine Broadcast channel 83B.

Stay well clear of large commercial vessels

Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. And be aware of the effects of cold water immersion. Hypothermia is a factor in Lake Ontario all year, even in the summer.

Always maintain a good lookout and be aware of your surroundings.

NEVER boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs!

For emergency assistance on the water, contact the Canadian Coast Guard on VHF radio channel 16 OR dial *16 on your mobile phone.

For helpful information on safe boating, including equipment and navigation, download Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide: www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety

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