South Bruce OPP report marine patrols; and serious assault

WEEKEND MARINE PATROLS WARN 12, CHARGE ONE

(SOUTH BRUCE, ON) - July 7, the South Bruce OPP Marine Unit focused patrols on beach-launched vessel safety equipment in the Kincardine area.

As a result of the focused patrols, 15 watercraft were stopped and inspected, including stand up paddle-boards, kayaks, sailboats, and personal watercraft.

Twelve individuals were warned for minor safety equipment infractions and one individual on a paddle-board was charged under Small Vessel Regulations for failing to have any safety equipment, including a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD).

The OPP reminds the public that paddle-boards, kite-boards, kayaks, canoes, inflatable boats, and other beach-launched craft, are vessels under the Canada Shipping Act and all operators require a lifejacket or PFD and other safety equipment specific to the craft they are operating. Fines for not having the required equipment can far exceed the cost of the safety equipment purchase, not to mention the potential cost of lives lost in not having safety equipment when it's needed.

Find out what equipment you need to have for the type of craft you are using by searching: Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide. Remember, lifejackets save lives, but only if they are worn - buckle one on!

SERIOUS ASSAULT IN BROCKTON

(BROCKTON, ON) - One person is facing charges after the South Bruce OPP responded to a call of a serious assault in the Municipality of Brockton.

July 8, the South Bruce OPP was dispatched to the report of a serious assault that occurred July 7, at a property on Bruce County Road 4 in Brockton. It was determined that the suspect assaulted the victim with an edged weapon. The victim sustained minor injuries.

As a result, one individual was taken into custody, without incident.

Zander Martin, 24, of Hanover was charged with the following:
 

• Uttering threats - cause death or bodily harm
• Assault with a weapon (two counts)
• Assault causing bodily harm
• Fail to comply with probation order (two counts)

The accused was scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, Walkerton, July 9.

*THESE CHARGES HAVE YET TO BE PROVEN IN COURT*

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.