Huron OPP report catamarans capsize; and 100 drivers charged during long weekend

CATAMARANS CAPSIZE - ALL MAKE IT TO SHORE SAFELY
 
(LAKE HURON, ON) - A storm cell that quickly moved through Huron County, Canada Day, resulted in two small catamarans capsizing in Lake Huron about a half-kilometre from shore. 
 
Around 1:20 p.m., July 1, Huron County OPP, Huron County Paramedic Services and Canadian Coast Guard personnel were dispatched to a marine incident on Lake Huron just north of St. Joseph's.
 
Five people on two small catamarans were dumped into the lake when their vessels overturned. Wisely, all five were wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and they also made use of their sound-signalling device (whistle) to alert people on shore.
 
Prior to emergency crews arriving on scene, the swamped sailors were able to make it safely to shore and managed to upright their vessels.

The Huron OPP offers the following marine safety tips:
 

• Life Jackets/PFD - A proper-sized life jacket or PFD is required for each person on board
• Competent Operator - Take a boating safety course and always carry your operator card with you
• Check and Monitor the Marine Weather Forecast - Conditions can change quickly, particularly on larger bodies of water
• Sail Plan - Let someone know your planned route and estimated time of return; time is of the essence in an emergency, it can make the difference between a rescue and a recovery
• Safety Equipment - Required by law, requirements vary by type of vessel and size; ensure you have the proper equipment on board each time you sail; it won't help you if it's left on the dock
• Charts and Compass - Be aware of local hazards, water levels, tides and know where you are at all times
• Fuel - one-third to go, one-third to return, one-third in reserve
• Boat Condition - Check the hull, hoses, lines, clamps and the battery; regular maintenance reduces the risk of a break down on the water
• Leave the Beer on the Pier - Boaters caught drinking and boating in Ontario face the same consequences as drinking and driving on land; this includes power boats, canoes, kayaks, sail boats and personal watercraft

Anyone interested in more information on boating safety, can check on-line at www.boatingsafety.gc.ca.

NEARLY 100 DRIVERS CHARGED DURING LONG WEEKEND    
 
(HURON COUNTY, ON) - A province-wide crackdown on aggressive drivers was the main focus this past Canada Day long weekend, after the OPP reported that the number one cause in road fatalities this year was excessive speed. 
 
Over the course of the weekend, Huron County OPP officers charged nearly 100 drivers with a variety of offences; however, the bulk of those were for speeding:
 

• Speeding - 66
• Other Highway Traffic Act offences - 9
• Moving Violations - 7
• Seatbelt - 6
• Liquor Licence Act - 4
• Over-80 Charge - 1
• Warn Range Suspension - 1
• Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act - 1
• Racing - 1

 
Huron County OPP also reported one fatal motor collision that took place the first day of the long weekend. A 37-year-old Perth East man died in a single motor vehicle crash south of Belmore, Friday, June 30. Speed and failure to wear a seatbelt were factors in this collision.
 
Huron OPP officers will continue to use a combination of education and enforcement in an effort to keep our roadways as safe as possible. Although this traffic campaign has ended, the Huron OPP will continue to always be on the look-out for those drivers who choose to take unnecessary risks and drive aggressively on our roadways.
 
Should you encounter such a driver, call 9-1-1 to report the matter to police.