(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Norfolk County Detachment have charged an 18 year old male that was engaging in dangerous behaviour at a Harbour Street, Port Dover, Norfolk County, ON, address.
On Sunday, July 28, 2013 at approximately 3:20 pm, an alert officer was on foot patrol when they observed a male doing back flips off the pier into the channel.
As a result, 18 year old Mathew ELCOCK from Hamilton, ON was charged with Engage in Prohibited Activity under the Trespass to Property Act.
The OPP want to remind everyone about the dangers of jumping into the water from any height. The obvious risk of jumping into water is that you’ll hit an underwater object or the water bed, leading to a serious injury. People who jump from heights can’t see what they are jumping into.
Everyone needs to be extremely aware that water levels can change. If some jumpers do have experience with a particular area and are able to memorize which areas are deepest, there’s still a chance they can miscalculate their jump and seriously injury themselves or cause death.
The Port Dover Harbour Authority has erected signs discouraging this behaviour due to the numerous complaints of people jumping into the water and swimming across the channel which has a high volume of vessel traffic.
The OPP discourages this behaviour and has seen as escalation in this type of activity. Once you add height and distance to an already risky behaviour you increase your chances of injury or death.
The public are being asked to contact police immediately to report this activity. The OPP’s main focus is public safety and security and wants to prevent injuries or a fatality from occurring.
The OPP will vigorously enforce the Trespass to Property Act and will deal with people found to be engaging in this activity accordingly.
“We want Norfolk County residents and tourists to enjoy our beautiful beaches, trails and waterways in a safe and responsible manner to ensure their safety and the safety of othersâ€, comments Staff Sergeant Rob Scott, Norfolk County OPP Detachment Operations Manager.
Anyone with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1 – 888 – 310 – 1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1 – 800 – 222 – 8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.