Boating season is in full swing in northwestern Ontario and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry wants to ensure it’s a safe one.
Conservation officer Ron Arnold says they will be out in full force to make sure operators are following the rules.
Arnold stresses everyone on board should be wearing a life jacket or a PFD.
He says you should never operate a boat while impaired by drugs or alcohol and always do a safety inspection of your vessel boat before heading out on the lake.
Arnold adds all operators must be certified and documentation will be required if stopped by MNRF officials.
He notes 65% of preventable drowning’s occur on Ontario’s rivers and lakes, and that safety should always be your top priority when out on the water.
