Parachute Canada reports that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for Canadians. Many people are injured while doing activities where they never expected to enter the water, such as unexpectedly falling into water while boating or into a backyard pool. You can avoid becoming a statistic with the following water safety tips from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

Avoid swimming alone

Children should never swim alone or be left unsupervised when around any body of water. Make sure there is an experienced swimmer in sight and within reach. It is also recommended that adults swim with a buddy, as even the strongest swimmers can need help.

Be prepared, get trained

Learning to swim is important but water safety mean more than knowing the strokes, children and youth learn about water safety. Taking a first aid course and learning water rescue and safety skills can assist you to safely help others is also important to know what to do if there is an emergency.

If you drink, don’t drive your boat

Operating a boat or watercraft takes the same care and attention as driving a car. Consuming alcohol and boating don’t mix as it impairs attention, concentration and judgement, and is a major contributing factor in drowning while boating. Avoid the use of cannabis and other drugs as well.

Wear a lifejacket or PFD

Lifejackets and personal flotation devices (PFD) are important to water safety and knowing their differences and which to use will help you determine which is best for your situation. Lifejackets are more buoyant and are designed to turn an unconscious person from face down to face up in the water, allowing them to breathe. Lifejackets are the best choice for children and adults who are unable to swim or are weak swimmers, and they offer wearers the best possible chance for survival should they end up in the water unexpectedly.

PFDs are less buoyant and are designed to keep a conscious person afloat in calm conditions. Designed for use in recreational boating, they can be a good choice for people who are confident in the water.

To learn more about water safety, visit smdhu.org or call Health Connection on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

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The Fire Department received funding in the amount of $23,105.45 to purchase a 14 ft. rescue boat with an inflation kit, outboard motor and fuel tank.

“We are thankful to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada and our local Firehouse Subs in Orillia for providing us with this invaluable funding,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “This new rescue boat is a welcomed addition to the Fire Department’s fleet and will be a valuable piece of equipment in an emergency.”

The new rescue boat will replace an older, smaller model and become the primary vessel used for off-season water emergencies by the Orillia Fire Department.

“The new boat has the capabilities to be used in the water outside of the regular boating season and will play a critical role for river rescues and accessing areas such as Grape Island in an emergency,” said Orillia Fire Chief Michael Clark. “In an emergency, every second counts and having this new equipment on hand increases the Fire Department’s response capacity as we can hold more equipment and people during a rescue.”

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada has awarded 279 grants to public safety organizations since 2015. This grant is one of 11 that the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada awarded to public safety organizations during the most recent grant cycle. The 11 grants will provide critical lifesaving equipment valued at more than $279,000 across Ontario.

“The things you do as a business do matter,” said Ravish Shah, local Firehouse Subs franchisee. “At Firehouse Subs Orillia, we are thankful for the opportunity we get to donate to this community. If you can help one person, you have achieved something in your life, not just as a business, but as a member of the community.”

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“The proposal submitted by Landmark Cruises to offer boat tours from the Town’s Wharf revealed their true sense of community.  They have fully embraced Penetanguishene on many levels, as demonstrated by their recent vessel naming competition.  We are eager to see what this new partnership will bring.” says Sherry Desjardins, Director of Recreation and Community Services.

The first cruise is set to take sail May 21, 2022 at 12:00PM. Residents and visitors are invited to join Landmark Cruises for their opening inaugural cruise. The inaugural cruise will take 150 people for a 2.75-hour cruise around the 30,00 islands.

The boat has already become a popular attraction in Penetanguishene since its official arrival on May 6. The Town is certain that Landmark Cruises will continue its tradition of excellence, delighting tourists and residents alike with five different quality cruises through the magnificent 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay.

Throughout the touring season, May – October the Georgian Legacy will be providing a Lunch Cruise, Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise, Dinner Cruise, Sunset Cruise and Fall Colours Cruise (September – October). Each cruise is designed to be unique, giving visitors a chance to experience Georgian Bay in a different way. Ranging in length from a 1.75-hour cruise to the 2.75-hour experience there is something for everyone.

“I am so excited to welcome cruises back to our Harbour, and additional Tourists back to our Town,” said Mayor Leroux.  “Tourism is a critical part of our Town’s economy, which over the course of the pandemic has taken a toll on our community, businesses and spirits. Welcoming the Georgian Legacy into our community is a great news story for our Town and we are honoured to have it call our Harbour home.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance for cruises throughout the summer and fall.  The full details on each cruise and how to purchase is available on the Landmark Cruises Website.

For tickets or more information please go to landmarkcruises.com or visit the Tourism Information Centre, at 2 Main Street, Penetanguishene Town Dock.

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As a result of this investigation the vessel operator Samuel Thomas Binnington 26 years of Toronto has been charged with the following offences:

• Operation while impaired – alcohol
• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Operating pleasure craft without copy of licence on board
• Operating non-human-powered pleasure craft without prescribed visual signals on board

The accused driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days under the conditions of the Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS) and was released from police custody on a recognizance to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland on June 2, 2021.

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The boat eventually sank from damage caused by the non suspicious fire while being tended to by Midland Fire Service personnel. The vessel is valued at $200,000.00 and the Ministry of Environment has been made aware of the incident so they may monitor for any environmental concerns.

Video Credit: Giants Tomb Trading Co.

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