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Tragic Start to Boating Season

Friday, 20 May 2016 10:35

OPP will be patrolling the waters this long weekend after 8 deaths in 2016 on the water.

Oxford OPP are preaching safe boating practices after tragic start on the waterways this year in Ontario.

Eight people have died in 2016 already this year which is almost three times the amount of deaths at this time in 2015. Tragically none of this season's eight victims was wearing a life jacket and alcohol was also a factor in almost every cases.

Six of the victims were engaged in kayaking or canoeing and entered the water by either falling or capsizing says OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair.

"A significant number of the boating deaths we investigate every year involve canoes and kayaks. Because the victims were not wearing a lifejacket, the majority of them died either because they could not swim, the water was too cold or they were impaired by alcohol or drugs. I cannot stress enough how significantly a properly worn life jacket improves your chance of survival when you are in any type of boat and suddenly find yourself in the water."

Police are once again preaching caution, especially when the water is still cold. You should always wear a life jacket, regardless of your swimming ability and never mix booze with boating. The OPP marine units will be patrolling the waters across the Province this long weekend.

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