Ottawa police patrolling for boating safety, enforcement to prevent summer drownings
Ottawa police are urging boaters to be aware of the risks and to be prepared before heading out on the water this summer.
Officers are monitoring Ottawa's waterways, checking in with boaters to ensure they are being safe and prepared while handing out hefty fines for those breaking the rules.
The Lifesaving Society has designated this week as 'Drowning Prevention Week' to raise awareness of the dangers of being out on the water and to promote safety.
Ottawa police Const. TJ Jellinik says there have been no boating-related drownings in the city so far this year and officers would like to keep it that way.
'So far this year, the drownings, unfortunately, we've had several not involving vessels,' he said.
'People are swimming in unsupervised areas and things like that. We've had a couple of marine accidents that were still under investigation. Overall, it's been a relatively good boating season.'
Jellinik has been with the Marine, Dive and Trails Unit for five years and says boating stops and checks aim to keep people safe. Officers will ask for the vessel operator's card, registration and safety equipment.
'When we stop boats, although they have all their safety equipment, you still have to understand where it is and that it's readily accessible,' he said.
'Think of it as, if the house is burning down, you don't have to go find the fire extinguisher, you need to know where that is. If it's under a bench and it's inaccessible, that's a bit of a problem. Have your equipment ready. Have it safe. Know where it is. Be able to use it because when you need it, you need it.'
On Saturday, a 20-year-old Ottawa man drowned after falling out of a stationary boat near Gananoque on the St. Lawrence River.
A similar incident occurred last week when a 22-year-old Toronto man died after he fell overboard and did not resurface on Weslemkoon Lake near Bancroft, Ont. A 21-year-old was charged with two counts of impaired driving after the incident.
According to Ontario Provincial Police, neither of the victims were wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD).
Jellinik says wearing a lifejacket while on board a boat or vessel is important to prevent similar tragedies.
He says everyone on board should have access to one that fits and is in good condition. Children under 12 should also be wearing one.
People without one can face a $240 fine.
'Doesn't have rips. It's not all faded from the sun. It's not all covered in mildew and you've had it stored in the cubby for the last 50 years,' he said.
As for alcohol, he says it's about knowing the rules of each province. In Quebec, you can have open liquor on board a moving boat but in Ontario, you cannot.
No matter where you are, you should always be under the legal limit.
'Number one, always be sober when you're at the wheel,' he said. 'Number two, be aware of your surroundings and know the rules of the waterways, same as you would with the rules of the road.'
Enforcement will be out all summer long aiming to prevent tragedy.
'Boating is a fantastic activity. We want people to have all their safety equipment. We want them to have fun,' he said. 'If they follow those rules, they can have a great time in the summer.'
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