[NORFOLK COUNTY] NORFOLK COUNTY OPP MARINE UNIT RESCUES THREE FROM INNER BAY OF LAKE ERIE 2014-08-11 (NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Marine Unit is urging all boating enthusiasts to know where your safety equipment is and how to use it after police observe three people in distress in the Inner Bay, Lake Erie, Ontario.
On Friday, August 8, 2014 at approximately 3:54 p.m., members of the Norfolk County Marine Unit were on patrol in the Inner Bay of Lake Erie, when officers observed three people being thrown from a personal water craft approximately 1 km from shore.
Through investigation it was determined that the personal water craft was crossing Lake Erie when the occupants were thrown from the vessel after hitting a wave of water. As the occupants entered the Lake, the force of the fall caused one of the passengers to lose their life jacket. The operator, passenger and a 5 year old child were located by police hanging onto the vessel however the operator did not have any knowledge of the safety equipment or where it was located.
The OPP is reminding all boating enthusiasts to be prepared for that day out on the water. Everyone needs to familiarize themselves with all of their safety equipment associated to their vessel. They need to know where it is and how to use it in case they become in distress. Police are also reminding everyone about the importance of a properly fitted life jacket and always wearing it when you enter the water. Preparing for that day on the water will save lives.
A 5 year old male, 25 year old female and a 55 year old female from Cambridge, Ontario were all transported to shore by Marine Unit officers. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident