Tuesday, July 15, 2014

TAKE THE OPP CHALLENGE! Central Region OPP wants to see all boaters wearing a PFD

Orillia, ON (OPP - Dufferin Detachment) The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Central Region is asking boaters to take a challenge and is hopeful that they will take it up.

The OPP has seen 12 people lose their lives on lakes across the province this year compared to 5 at the same time last year. That being said the OPP is urging anyone who heads out on the water to always wear a personal floatation device (PFD) or lifejacket.


Chief Superintendent John Tod, Regional Commander of the OPP Central Region says “PFD’s only make sense - if you’ve got one then use it. Failing to do so can have a lasting impact your family, first responders and the community. Lifejackets are the difference between life and death. Please don’t become a statistic - you owe that to your family and friends”.

The OPP Challenge is simple “life jackets are better on you than somewhere in your boat. Boaters of all ages need to encourage the use of life jackets at all times and the OPP is asking the boating community to help make our waterways safe” adds Chief Superintendent Tod.

Safe boating is a shared responsibility and begins before you head out onto the water. Make wearing your lifejacket or PFD part of your regular routine - life is too valuable not to wear something that is so simple and is proven to save lives.

Ontario’s Mobilization and Engagement Model for Community Policing provides a framework for action for police and community partners. This model strengthens partnerships in working towards safer and healthier communities and through engagement, participation and acceptance, together we all can make boating a safer recreational pastime.

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