For many people the Victoria Day weekend means time spent by the water, whether it’s sitting on the beach, opening the pool or hitting the lake on a boat.
The OPP Marine Unit wants to make sure that on this first long weekend of the warm weather everyone is safe around the water.
Sergeant Butterfield with the Marine Unit says as you prepare to put your boat in for the first time, now is the time to make sure everything is seaworthy.
“Because this is the first time a lot of these boats are going into the water check and make sure all your safety equipment is on the boat, that’s always the best time to check is the first time it goes in the water,” Butterfield.
Boating without the property safety equipment, such as life jackets, a towing rope and flashlight can result in a hefty fine.
With drinking and driving always in the headlines nearly everyone is aware of the dangers, however police say it’s also important to remember the dangers of drinking and boating.
Safety officials are also reminding cottagers returning for the season to make sure the batteries are changed in their smoke detectors and to make sure safety devices like the carbon monoxide detectors are working.
