On the Wardrop II with the South Simcoe Police
by Michelle Minnoch

On Monday, August 7th, I had the privilege to go on a ride along with Sergeant Steve Wilson and Officer Lou DaSilva on the South Simcoe Police Boat, the Wardrop II.

While I had tackled a ride along in a cruiser on a Saturday night a few months ago, going out on the boat showed me exactly what the officers are doing out on the water, and how they are enforcing the safety of those on Lake Simcoe.

While we attended one distress call of a boat that had a failed transmission, the better part of the day was spent checking up on those in the water, ensuring there was no drinking and boating, and making sure people had the right documentation and correct safety equipment in order to be out on the water.

While there were many people out on the Lake on a sunny Monday afternoon, some of them were not aware of what equipment was required to be on the Lake. Many people on PWCs (Personal Water Crafts) were not aware that the following materials needed to be in a compartment of their watercraft, for safety reasons, at all times; one heaving line no less than 15 metres in length, a watertight flashlight or three Canadian approved flares, a sound signaling device in case of distress (either a whistle or bull horn), fire extinguisher, and of course your Proof of Competency.

Whether operating a PWC or a 27 foot boat, there is identification needed. Those operating on the water need to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, which can be obtained through a course and a test in which you must score 75 per cent or higher. Operator competency is set out as follows; any operator born after April 1, 1983, must have obtained a card since September 1999; all crafts less than 4 metres in length (including PWC) need proof of competency from September 15, 2002; all operators will need competency by September 15, 2009.

Those operating a PWC (ex. Seadoo) must be at least 16 years age and must have proof of ID on board at all times. He or she should inspect their craft before venturing out, and should know at all times, where their emergency gear is, if needed. Remember mom and dad, if you give your child the O.K. to go out on a PWC and he or she is underage (and of course, would not have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card), you are responsible.

The fines for not following the rules are not cheap. The following is a list of fines for common boating offences (not including administration fees); operating a vessel in a careless manner ($250), speeding ($100), underage operation of a personal watercraft ($100), operating a power driven pleasure craft without the required Pleasure Craft Operator Card ($250), insufficient number of approved, appropriately sized floatation devices ($200 for each).

Members of the South Simcoe Police are on the Wardrop II, and on the Seadoo's during the week and every weekend to ensure safety on the water. Members of the South Simcoe Police have been trained to help make the summer as safe as possible, not only for Innisfil residents, but for all of those on Lake Simcoe. The Wardrop II and the York Region Police Boat are the only two watercrafts patrolling the waters of Lake Simcoe. With an up to date GPS tracking system on board, the Wardrop II is a great addition to the South Simcoe Police.

A thank you to Deputy Chief Allan Cheesman for arranging the ride, Sgt. Wilson and Const. DaSilva for explaining the role of the South Simcoe Police on their boat, and allowing me on board for the day. Thank you also to Police Auxiliary member Tony Triano, and Const. Henry Geoffroy for allowing me to tag along on the PWC.