The Orillia OPP's marine unit patrols local waterways throughout the summer months.
This August long weekend, officers are out on the water daily enforcing liquor, speed and safety equipment violations.
And, sadly, sometimes they investigate collisions on the water.
Late Sunday afternoon, there was a minor marine collision when a Sea Doo collided with a pontoon boat on Lake Couchiching near The Narrows in Atherley, says Orillia OPP Const. Martin Hill.
"Luckily, no one was hurt," Hill said.
He reminds mariners they are responsible for their vessels, stressing "this collision should never happen if you are driving according to surroundings and conditions."
He also stressed that boaters — whether in kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or power boats — need to be wearing life-jackets and have enough life jackets on board for each passenger.
"While on board, we hear many excuses as to why people don't have life jackets or required safety equipment," said Hill, noting people often tell officers they forgot their life-jackets or claim to be good swimmers.
"When an emergency happens and you need it the most, there will be no excuse good enough," said Hill. "As history has shown, emergencies can strike at any time."
Hill said capsizing and failling overboard are "top factors in boating fatailities. Wear your life-jacket and boat sober," he advised.
