From July 29 to August 2, 2026, OPP SAVE Unit officers conducted marine and trail patrols across Central Region to enhance safety and enforcement on Ontario’s waterways and trail networks. Patrols took place in Algonquin Park, Georgian Bay, Lake Rosseau, Lake Joseph, Little Lake Joseph, Lake Dalrymple, Sparrow Lake, Pigeon Lake, Buckhorn Lake, Shadow Lake, the Otonabee River and Rice Lake, as well as surrounding waterways and trails within the Huntsville, Bracebridge, Collingwood, Huronia West, City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Northumberland, Haliburton, Southern Georgian Bay, and Orillia areas.

Marine and off-road vehicle enforcement results included:

• 42 charges laid
• 56 warnings issued

Charges included:

• Failing to carry or wear a lifejacket/PFD – 8 counts
• Canada Shipping Act violations – 6 counts
• Towing a person without a spotter – 2 counts
• Off-Road Vehicles Act helmet violations – 3 counts
• Liquor Licence and Control Act violations -14 counts
• Permitting operation of a vessel without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card
•  Highway Traffic Act violations: 5 counts
• Hand-held communication device offence
•  Fishing without a licence – 2 counts

Alcohol-related offences and lifejacket/PFD violations accounted more than half of all charges laid during the enforcement initiative, highlighting the ongoing importance of safe and responsible boating practices. A lifejacket only works if you’re wearing it.

In addition to the charges laid, officers issued two seven-day driver’s licence suspensions as part of impaired operation investigations

Alcohol and boating do not mix. The consequences of operating a vessel while impaired are the same as those for impaired driving on Ontario highways and can result in criminal charges, licence suspensions, and other significant penalties. Your driver’s licence can be impacted whether you are operating a boat, vehicle, snowmobile, or ATV.

Enforcement efforts will continue throughout the summer. Boaters and riders are reminded that operating sober, carrying the required safety equipment, ensuring all licences and vessel registration documents are up to date, and wearing a lifejacket when on or near water are essential steps in keeping Ontario’s waterways and trails safe. The OPP remains committed to enhancing marine and trail safety through enforcement, education, and public awareness initiatives across Ontario.

Anyone who observes suspicious, impaired, aggressive or unsafe operation on Ontario roads, waterways, or trails is encouraged to contact police immediately. In an emergency, call 911.

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From July 1 to July 5, 2026, OPP SAVE Unit officers conducted marine patrols on Fawn Lake, Gloucester Pool, Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph, Redstone Lake, Haliburton Lake, and Georgian Bay, working alongside local OPP detachments to enhance boater safety and enforcement across Central Region waterways.

Marine enforcement results included:

• 39 charges laid
• 32 warnings issued

Marine-related charges included:

• Failing to have a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket – 11 counts
• Open alcohol on a vessel – 14 counts
• Operating a vessel with open alcohol – 4 counts
• Towing a person without a spotter – 3 counts
• Failing to transfer vessel registration to a new owner – 3 counts
• Permitting a person under 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft – 1 count
• Failing to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card – 1 count
• Safety equipment violation – 1 count
• Failing to have a fire extinguisher – 1 count

During the five-day enforcement initiative, OPP SAVE officers stopped a vessel that was towing family members, including youth, without a designated spotter on board to monitor those being towed which is required by law. Further investigation revealed the operator had been consuming alcohol while operating the vessel and had open alcohol readily accessible on board. An Approved Screening Device (ASD) test was conducted, resulting in an “Alert” reading. As a result, the operator’s Ontario driver’s licence was suspended for seven days, and several charges were laid under the Canada Shipping Act (CSA) and the Liquor Licence and Control Act (LLCA).

Alcohol and boating do not mix. The consequences of operating a vessel while impaired are the same as those for impaired driving on Ontario highways and can result in criminal charges, licence suspensions, and other significant penalties. Your driver’s licence can be impacted whether you are operating a boat, vehicle, snowmobile, or ATV impaired.

Enforcement efforts will continue throughout the summer. Boaters are reminded that wearing a lifejacket, operating sober, carrying the required safety equipment, and ensuring all licences and vessel registration documents are up to date are essential steps in keeping Ontario’s waterways safe.

A lifejacket only works if you’re wearing it.

The OPP remains committed to enhancing marine safety through enforcement, education, and public awareness initiatives across Ontario’s waterways. Anyone who observes suspicious, impaired, aggressive or unsafe operation on Ontario roads or waterways is encouraged to contact police immediately. In an emergency, call 911.

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Despite calm conditions and proximity to shore, many boating-related drownings occur when people least expect danger. Most of these tragedies happen in small vessels, like canoes and kayaks, and are preventable.

In 2025, nearly 80% of all boating fatalities investigated by the OPP involved individuals who were not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). Adult males accounted for almost 90% of all boating fatalities on OPP patrolled waters. According to the Drowning Prevention Research Centre of Canada, 35% of water-related fatalities in Ontario are linked to swimming, while another 13% are attributed to walking, running, or playing near water, accounting for nearly half of all drownings when combined.

Young children, weak swimmers, and non-swimmers should always wear a life jacket when near water, even in shallow areas. Supervision and proactive lifesaving decisions, like wearing a life jacket, are key to avoiding tragedy.

What You Can Do:

• Always wear a properly fitted, Transport Canada (TC) approved life jacket. Modern life jackets are lightweight, comfortable, and designed to save lives. Don’t just bring it, wear it.
• Ensure there is a properly sized life jacket for every person on board.
• Keep all required safety equipment easily accessible and ready to use.
• Set the example, especially for children and new boaters.
• Check weather and water conditions before heading out.

Every year the OPP continues to share this important safety message across the province reminding the public that wearing a TC-approved PFD is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent water-related tragedies.

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Each year, the In-Water Boat Show serves as a key kickoff event for the Port of Orillia, attracting boating enthusiasts, shoppers, and visitors from across Ontario to Orillia’s waterfront. The event includes in-water displays showcasing over 100 boats from 15 of the region’s top boat dealers, along with entertainment and a massive waterfront vendor market.

“Because the Port of Orillia is primarily a transient marina, we typically don’t see a significant increase in moorage until the warmer days of summer,” said Allan Lafontaine, Executive Director of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce and Harbour Master at the Port of Orillia. “The Boat Show marks the turning point when we start to experience much more boat traffic, and it’s an ideal time for anyone considering purchasing a boat or upgrading their craft to see the newest products and models available.”

Those looking to sell a boat are in luck as well, as this year’s event features dedicated dock space for used boat sales. Private sellers can book a space to showcase their vessel to the thousands of prospective buyers who attend the show.

“We know that boat shoppers travel to Orillia from across Ontario specifically for this event,” said Lafontaine. “The used boat dock gives sellers direct access to a highly targeted audience and creates even more value for visitors attending the show.”

Anyone interested in booking used boat sale space can do so by contacting events@orillia.com or 705-326-4424 x202.

Beyond the boats, a spectacular selection of vendors will be set up along the waterfront, offering marine products, services, outdoor recreation equipment, unique shopping opportunities, and food. A limited number of vendor spaces remain available, and interested vendors can sign up at www.orillia.com.

The event offers an ideal opportunity for both residents and visitors to spend a day exploring Orillia’s beautiful waterfront. Visitors can also take advantage of the close proximity to Downtown Orillia, where they can visit the popular Saturday Farmers’ Market, local boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and attractions.

Admission to the show is free.

For complete event information, exhibitor details, and show hours, visit https://www.orillia.com/boatshow/.

The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce is a non- profit association providing a voice for an integrated and prosperous business community. The Chamber’s mandate is to foster economic development and advocate on behalf of its members to promote sustainable growth in Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara, and Rama.

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Today, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced amendments to the Small Vessel Regulations that will modernize Canada’s pleasure craft licensing program and database.

The Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) is a unique identification number for recreational boats that have one or more engines whose combined power is at least 10 horsepower- similar to a car’s license plate. It allows emergency responders and law enforcement to quickly identify the owner of a boat, which improves response times in urgent situations and supports efforts to address unsafe or abandoned boats.

The following changes have taken effect as of December 31, 2025:

• new and renewed pleasure craft licences will only be valid for five years
• current lifetime licences will be gradually replaced with licences that must be renewed every five years.
• a $24 service fee will apply to issuing, renewing, transferring, or replacing a Pleasure Craft Licence. This fee will be updated annually for inflation
• licence holders must now update their information within 30 days of a change in their name or address, instead of the previous 90 days.

These changes will make boating safer, protect the environment, and ensure licence holders share the cost of administering the program fairly. This will also help the Government to tackle wrecked, hazardous, and abandoned vessels by keeping ownership information accurate and up to date.

“Recreational boating is part of who we are as Canadians, and it’s essential that our safety system keeps pace with the way people use our waterways today. By modernizing the pleasure craft licensing program, we’re strengthening marine safety, improving environmental protection, and ensuring we have accurate information when it matters most.”

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

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Last month, ENVGO hosted media for a sneak peek and boat ride demonstrations of the NV1 on the Toronto Harbourfront Marina.  Featured on CBC News.

Princecraft® is proud to unveil the Platinum 190, a brand-new model making its debut at the 2026 Toronto International Boat Show.

Melodie’s virtual event will headline Sailor’s Day at the Toronto Boat Show on Saturday, January 24, featuring a full day of seminars to educate and celebrate all things sailing, along with great opportunities to connect with fellow sailors and industry experts.

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Officers continue to conduct vessel checks throughout the winter months to ensure compliance with the Canada Shipping Act 2001 and it’s regulations. Lifejackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) remain mandatory for every person on board, regardless of the season or water conditions.

Key Safety Reminders:

• Lifejackets/PFDs are required by law for every person on board.
• Ensure your vessel is properly equipped with all required safety gear.
• Cold water increases the risk of hypothermia. Dress appropriately and plan ahead.
• Never assume that calm or frozen conditions eliminate risk.

Safety is not seasonal; make it a habit every time you’re near the water.

The OPP recommends all vessel owners/operators familiarize themselves with the Safe Boating Guide found here: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/boating-safety.

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Despite calm conditions and proximity to shore, many boating-related drownings occur when people least expect danger. In fact, 89% of victims in boating-related drownings were not wearing a life jacket. Most of these tragedies happen in small vessels, like canoes and kayaks, and are preventable.

In 2024, drowning remained one of the leading causes of accidental death in Ontario, especially among men aged 20-60. But the risk extends beyond boating. According to the Drowning Prevention Research Centre of Canada, 35% of water-related fatalities in Ontario are linked to swimming, while another 13% are attributed to walking, running, or playing near water, accounting for nearly half of all drownings when combined.

Young children, weak swimmers, and non-swimmers should always wear a life jacket when near water, even in shallow areas. Supervision and proactive lifesaving decisions, like wearing a life jacket, are key to avoiding tragedy.

What You Can Do:

• Always wear a properly fitted, Transport Canada-approved life jacket.

• Set the example, especially for children and new boaters.

• Check weather and water conditions before heading out.

Modern life jackets are lightweight, comfortable, and designed to save lives. Don’t just bring it, wear it. Make it a habit. Make it home.

Reaching More Ontarians with Multilingual Safety Messaging:

Recognizing that many drowning victims do not speak English as a first language, the OPP has translated this vital safety message into French, Punjabi, Cantonese, and Mandarin, which are the top four languages spoken in Ontario after English. These translations are now available on Central Region OPP social media platforms to ensure that language is not a barrier to life-saving information.

Water safety is for everyone. By sharing this message in multiple languages, we hope to reach more communities and prevent more tragedies. For more information and to view the translated safety messages, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

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Officers checked over 32 vessels during their 36 hours of patrol last weekend which saw the marine unit respond to two calls for service during their patrols of the Trent Seven Waterway, Six Mile Lake and the waters of Georgian Bay from Twelve Mile Bay to Wasaga Beach.

Officers educated 13 operators on minor infractions of the Canada Shipping Act and issued tickets to six others for more serious infractions of the Canada Shipping Act.

Stops Of Note:

A 41 year old Springwater township male operator was ticketed for several life jacket offences in one vessel stop with many persons aboard a larger vessel and was also the subject of a alcohol based investigation resulting in a 3 day drivers licence suspension and also ticketed for various open liquor offences during a vessel check in Honey Harbour.

A vessel stop on Six Mile Lake resulted in a 24 year old male of Cookstown being ticketed for liquor offences while underway.

A 18 year old female of Toronto and a 59 year old male of Ajax were both ticketed in separate vessel stops in the Trent Severn Waterway for vessel operation infractions. Both received liquor tickets and several warnings.

OPP Marine officers remind operators that liquor/drugs or a combination of both while operating a vessel on area waterways just never ends well as demonstrated over the years with cottage time serious crashes leaving sad memories of what was intended to be a good time away.

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