KAWARTHAS – Members of the OPP Snowmobile, All-Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement (SAVE) Unit laid 42 charges and issued 56 warnings throughout the Civic Long Weekend period, conducting marine and off-road vehicle patrols and enforcement.
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
- Â Highway Traffic Act violations: 5 counts
- Hand-held communication device offence
- Â 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
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.
Police say 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.
