(Oro-Medonte, ON) – On Saturday September 5th members of the Barrie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Barrie City Police joint marine patrol stopped a boat on Lake Simcoe near Golden Medonte Power Boat Club in Oro-Medonte Twp. The vessel had 13 occupants on board a boat designed for a maximum of 12. The owner was only able to produce nine life jackets. As a result the operator received a ticket for $500.00 plus a provincial surcharge, he was ordered back to shore until lifejackets could be provided for all passengers.
If you are a passenger being invited for a boat ride, take responsibility for your own safety and insist on wearing a PFD or lifejacket. If the driver of the boat does not have one on board for you, do not go out.
Always check weather conditions either through the Coast Guard VHF, Radio or internet. Safety should always be your first Priority.
Before you head out on the waters this year, check and make sure all the safety equipment is on board. If boaters are looking for assistance on what is required on their vessel can refer to the web site www.boatingsafety.gc.ca.
