Heading out on the water or to the beach this weekend? The marine unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police hope you are ready and able to practice water safety this August long weekend.
With the recent high temperatures of summer here in North Simcoe, officers stress that having all of the required safety equipment in your vessel and that the occupants are wearing lifejackets is the best way to be prepared in case of a on the water incident.
If your taking children for a swim or anyone who has limited swimming experience have look at the following Red Cross water safety site for helpful suggestions to be safe when in the water.
This week during July 25-29, 2025, officers conducted 38 hours of patrol through the areas of Tiny Township shoreline, around the area islands and up to Lock 44 of the Trent Severn waterway system, officers checked 30 vessels for equipment and operators for signs of impairment. Four operators were cited for failing to have sufficient lifejackets onboard and two others were charged along with an additional 12 more were educated for contraventions of the Canada Shipping Act. ( Canada Shipping Act, 2001 )
Wearing your lifejacket while on the water even now with the hot days of summer being upon us, will increase your chances of survival if you should go overboard into cool water. Be prepared for these still cool summertime water temperatures especially out in the greater areas of Georgian Bay by having the appropriate number of approved lifejackets and or floater suits on board for all vessel occupants.
As of 4:00 p.m. August 1, 2025, the surface water temperature according to the Government of Canada Weather Buoy at Buoy position: 44.95N 80.63W on Georgian Bay was 22 degrees Celsius.
Always have an eye to the sky for changing weather conditions.
The following YouTube video from the Canadian Safe Boating Council will demonstrate why having the proper safety equipment could save your life especially in cooler water temperatures.
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. (See attached submitted OPP photograph)
