Today’s Northumberland went for a ridealong with the Northumberland OPP Marine Unit on Lake Ontario on Monday, July 15, 2019.
Northumberland OPP Constable Jeff Laporte and Constable Ed Jouwstra launched from Wicklow Beach to patrol the lakeshore to Port Hope.
For a Monday, Laporte said the shoreline along Cobourg Beach was very busy.
“Lots of people were enjoying themselves, and we spoke to a few people on stand-up paddle boards and kayaks.”
“Stand-up paddle boards are required to wear a pfd (personal flotation device) while you’re on it. A couple of people were cautioned because although I’m glad they had them, you’re required to wear them.”
While patrolling on the west side of Cobourg, police did issue a $240 ticket to one person who was with her child on a stand-up paddle board.
The woman did not have a pfd and the child did not have a regulation pfd.
What the child was wearing wasn’t proper for being on Lake Ontario.
“A proper pfd for a child, actually has a neck pillow.”
“If they should go in and can’t swim, it will actually keep their head above water.”
“This thing would not keep his head above water. It may help him float for a bit, but if she had a medical issue and lost consciousness for any reason, number one she’s not wearing a vest so that could be tragic, and the child could be left on his own without anyway to keep his head above water.”
Because of the high water in Lake Ontario there is still a lot of debris floating around. With the water extremely calm on Monday a number of sticks, branches and even a tree was easy to spot.
“We did find a 40-foot section of tree with the roots floating west of Cobourg. We tried to move it but the tip of it is buried in the sand in the bottom.”
Laporte advises boaters to use caution while traveling in the water, especially at night.
Along the shoreline from Cobourg to Port Hope it was clearly evident the damage done from the rising waters of Lake Ontario. Numerous trees were toppled near the shoreline as a result of the erosion.
Police want to emphasize during the boating season, to wear your personal floatation device and leave the alcohol at home or cottage.
“Pfd’s are a huge issue. If you’re wearing them and something happens you have such a greater chance of survival.”
“With stand-up paddle boards once you’re standing up and navigable, you’re required to wear them.”
“If you fell off and hit your head on the board – you want something to keep you afloat.”
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
