Two southern Ontario men are facing charges after police say they were driving boats in an unsafe manner.
North Bay OPP reports they responded after complaints the boats were carelessly speeding and coming extremely close to swimmers near Marathon Beach on Sunday.
A 28-year-old from North York and a 19-year-old from Scarborough were both charged with operating a vessel in an unsafe manner.
The 28-year-old was also charged with failure to have proof of competency on board a pleasure craft.
Staff Sergeant Bill McMullen, Detachment Commander of North Bay OPP advises “North Bay OPP is committed to the safety of everyone on our area waterways through the delivery of education and active enforcement. Officers will be conducting regular marine patrol ensuring safe and sober boating. Check the weather conditions/forecast, wear your lifejacket and leave the beer on the pier. We want everyone to have an enjoyable time, and ultimately make it home safely.”
OPP says data continues to confirm that the vast majority of victims who die in fatal boating incidents are not wearing a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD).
They advise that alcohol/drug-impaired operation of a motorized marine vessel is dangerous and carries the same penalties as impaired operation of a motor vehicle.
Police advise residents that if you suspect that someone is operating a boat while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, call 9-1-1.
They say in doing so, you could be saving lives, including your own.
