One individual is facing charges after the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Marine Unit stopped the vessel for no flotation device.
On June 1, 2024, at 1:35 p.m., the Grey Bruce OPP Marine Unit was patrolling Miller Lake in Northern Bruce Peninsula for vessel safety. The officers observed a paddle-boarder without proper lifesaving equipment or other required equipment.
As a result, an 18-year-old individual from Walkerton was charged under the Canadian Shipping Act 2001, Small Vessel Regulations for, operating human-powered pleasure craft without prescribed life-saving appliances on board.
This is a reminder to all vessel operators that if you are out on the water to ensure you have the proper life saving appliances (Personal Flotation Device/Lifejackets) on board as per the requirements as per Transport Canada. A human powered pleasure craft is defined as a watercraft that are not fitted with a motor. These include but are not limited to kayaks, canoes, paddle-boards, and rowboats. For more information on safety equipment requirements for your vessel see the Transport Canada website Transport Canada / Transports Canada.
No one expects to head out on the water and expects tragedy to happen. Lets all do our best to make this summer a safe one on Ontario waters