York Regional Police Boat still on the water

As we experience recordsetting temperatures, members of the York Regional Police Marine Unit are reminding boaters who are still participating in activities on the water, that the Naawij, a 26' Sea-swirl boat, continues to patrol Lake Simcoe to ensure boaters are operating safely.

As the Marine Unit sets a record for the latest date into the winter season one of their vessels has remained on the water, officers in the unit remind boaters that taking a few precautions ahead of time goes a long way in the prevention of needless accidents. Each year lives are lost, many are injured and millions of dollars of property damage occurs because of preventable recreational boating accidents on Canadian waterways. Boaters are reminded that despite the warm winter we are experiencing, the water temperature remains dangerously cold and hypothermia is a real risk.

Too often pleasure outings turn tragic. You - as a boat operator, passenger, or concerned individual - can make a difference.

The Marine Unit reminds boaters of the following:

+Know the laws and regulations and take a boating safety course

+Make sure your vessel is in top operating condition

+Keep your load low and evenly distributed

+Always keep extra fuel on hand

+Learn how to use a fire extinguisher

+ Always wear a life jacket

+ Children should insist that their parents wear a life jacket too. An adult who has drowned is of no use to a child left to fend for themselves, should a tragic accident have occurred

+ Be aware of changing weather conditions

+ File a boating plan with a marina, friend or family member, so you can be located quickly and efficiently should you run into difficulties.

+ Carry a cell phone to reach police in case of an emergency.

Information about the rules and regulations governing the operation of personal pleasure craft and how to apply for a PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operating Card) is available through the Canadian Coast Guard, Office of Boating Safety, at 1-800-267-6687 or by visiting www.boatingsafety .gc.ca and following the small vessel link.