NORTH BAY -- With Safe Boating Week kicking off in Canada on Saturday, Ontario Provincial Police are monitoring water traffic over the long weekend and want to ensure safety is top of mind.

The 2020 Canada Safe Boating Week takes place between May 16 and May 18.

The initiative aims to increase public awareness around boating safety and law enforcement hopes it will ultimately save lives. 

OPP say they will be on the lookout for impaired drivers, the carriage requirements for lifejackets and personal floatation devices.

This also comes as many municipalities across Ontario open their municipal boat launch locations.

"Boating safety remains a priority with the OPP," police say in a media release.

"The OPP want to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable boating season."

Police want to remind boaters that when they venture out onto the water, they have to remember to:

  • Always wear a lifejacket or PFD
  • Ensure you have the required safety equipment on board
  • Never go boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Check the weather before you head out
  • Tell someone at home where you're going

Police also add any boat on the water requires all necessary safety equipment on board. This includes:

  • 15m floating heavy line
  • Watertight flashlight
  • Whistle or some type of sound signaling device
  • Bailing bucket
  • A paddle or an oar
  • Lifejackets or PFD's for every person on board
  • Depending on the size of the vessel and motor being used, it may require proper flares and a fire extinguisher