DRPS and a civilian assisted a boater in distress on Lake Ontario Sunday.
On Sunday, June 24, 2018 at approximately 7:40 p.m., a call came in regarding a boater in distress on Lake Ontario, about 500 meters from the Whitby marina. The operator of the boat suffered an engine malfunction and a fire broke out in the engine compartment. Smoke was seen from witnesses on shore, along with the boater’s distress signal.
When police arrived, a boater at the marina offered the use of his vessel to allow officers to access the boater in distress quickly. They arrived to find the fire had been put out and the boater was towed back to shore using the civilian boat.
In this incident this boater was prepared, however police would like to remind other boaters to make sure they are prepared before heading out on the water:
- Inspect your boat before heading out. Check to make sure there are no leaks, you have all the necessary equipment and there is no damage to the boat
- Avoid drinking while operating a boat. Alcohol impairs your body and your judgement, and in a setting where the weather and currents can change quickly, you need to think clearly and react quickly to get yourself and your passengers to safety. Boating while impaired is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada
- Always wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) while on a boat and attach a whistle to it
- Before going out in the boat, be sure to let someone on land know where you’re heading and how long you will be gone for. This way, if something should go wrong, someone will have an idea of where you should be. If one is available, bringing a radio along on the boat is also a good idea
As the Canada Day long weekend approaches, take a look at our Marine Unit safety video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKjlEuRNm1c
Visit the Transport Canada website for more safety guides and regulations here: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
