Area police rescued two people who were stranded five-kilometres offshore on an inflatable boat and issued liquor-related charges to both once they were safe and back on shore.
According to a news release from Huronia West Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), police were called to assist the stranded boaters on May 26. The inflatable boat had drifted away from the shore and was taking on water. The Huronia West Marine Unit responded and rescued the two people on board, bringing them back to shore.
Police then charged a 32-year-old from North York with operating a human-powered pleasure craft without prescribed life-saving appliances on board. Both the 32-year-old and a 30-year-old (also from North York) were also charged with having care or control of a boat underway with an open container of liquor.
"The Huronia West OPP would like to remind boaters that having the proper equipment while out on the water is crucial for ensuring safety and preparedness," stated the OPP news release. "Essential equipment like life jackets, navigation tools, communication devices, and emergency supplies can make a sufficient difference in handling unexpected situations such as accidents, adverse weather conditions, or engine failures."
"Officers want to remind all waterway users that there is no one single cause that leads to drownings but there are common contributors. Basic safety practices such as wearing a lifejacket or a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on a vessel or in the water can be the difference between enjoying the water or not."
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