The Southern Georgian Bay OPP Marine Unit is still seeing the same problem while on the water.
"The marine unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police continued to find mariners over the August long weekend who failed to have the primary piece of drowning prevention equipment on board for all occupants - life jackets, " police said in a news release.
Officers logged 82 hours on area waterways between July 30 and August 7, checking 104 vessels, and five boaters were charged, and four others were warned for not having enough life jackets aboard.
"Twelve operators were educated for Canada Shipping Act violations, and three persons were charged for liquor violations. Four anglers were charged with fish and game violations," the news release stated.
Police say wearing a life jacket will increase a person's chance of survival should they go overboard into cool water
Educating Young Mariners to Wear Their Lifejackets
The "I Got Caught Wearing My Lifejacket" water safety program has been in place on OPP patrolled waterways for many years and continues to enjoy great success in educating young mariners in North Simcoe the value in having and wearing your lifejacket while on the water.
"Remember, if you see a possible impaired operator, "Make the Call" and dial 911 , and help prevent a marine tragedy, and always have an eye to the sky for changing weather conditions," police said in the news release.
