OPP enhances watch on waterways to nab 'reckless' boaters
Provincial police are ramping up waterway patrols after a recent spike in the severity of boating incidents in northeastern Ontario.
OPP Inspector Mark Andrews said the region has seen 50 fewer waterway incidents this year — but he says the severity of those cases is up.
Andrews said he’s concerned that boaters are taking more risks.
“We really need the public's assistance. If we're seeing a lot of non-compliance on your lake or you're seeing people on your lake — driving recklessly — let us know so we can put your lake into the queue for patrol.”
So far, five people have died in boating incidents in northeastern Ontario this year.
The secretary treasurer of the Bad River Fishing Lodge — located on an island north of the French River — said he doesn't have much of a choice but to brave the Jameson Rapids to get to camp.
Last Sunday, an elderly couple travelling on that stretch of river were thrown from their boat, sending one of the passengers to hospital after she was struck by the motor of the vessel.
A similar incident involving a father and son happened in the region this past weekend.
In that case, charges were laid under the small vessels act.
Andrews said the type of cases he's seeing is troubling.
"The cost is way too high for a moment of inattentiveness [or] risk-taking,” he said.