With warmer temperatures finally arriving and more sunshine in the forecast, the Ontario Provincial Police are reminding boaters across Northumberland and beyond to make safety their first priority before launching for the season.
Whether heading out on Rice Lake, the Trent-Severn Waterway, Presqu’ile Bay, the Bay of Quinte or travelling north to a family cottage, police say preparation can make the difference between a safe day on the water and a tragedy.
Constable Jeremy Renton says one of the most important steps boaters can take is ensuring all required safety equipment is onboard and in good condition.
Constable Jeremy Renton tells us:
Police say boaters should inspect life jackets, flotation devices, signalling equipment and other mandatory safety gear before leaving the dock. Equipment that has been stored over the winter may be damaged, deteriorated or no longer meet safety requirements.
Renton says having a life jacket onboard is not enough if it isn’t being worn.
Police note that while air temperatures may feel like summer, water temperatures remain dangerously cold across much of Ontario. Even experienced swimmers can experience cold water shock and rapidly lose strength and coordination after unexpectedly entering the water.
That concern extends beyond Northumberland to the many local residents who spend weekends at cottages and camps farther north, where lakes can remain especially cold well into June.
Renton says trying to locate and put on a life jacket after falling into the water can be difficult or impossible, particularly if hypothermia begins to set in.
The OPP is encouraging boaters to complete a full pre-season inspection of their vessel, verify that all required safety equipment is onboard and ensure everyone wears a properly fitted life jacket before leaving shore.
With boating activity expected to increase over the coming days and weeks, police say a few minutes of preparation can help ensure a safe and enjoyable start to the season.
(Written by Joseph Goden with files from Matt Leblanc)
