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Central Region OPP lays 42 charges during long weekend enforcement campaign

August 13, 2026   ·   0 Comments

Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Snowmobile, All-Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement (SAVE) Unit laid 42 charges during the Victoria Day long weekend.

OPP SAVE Unit officers conducted marine and trail patrols throughout Central Region to enhance safety and enforcement on Ontario’s waterways and trail networks from July 29 to Aug. 2.

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 several communities, including Huntsville, Bracebridge, Collingwood, Huronia West, City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Northumberland, Haliburton, Southern Georgian Bay and Orillia.

The enforcement initiative resulted in 42 charges and 56 warnings.

Charges included eight counts of failing to carry or wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD), six Canada Shipping Act violations, two counts of towing a person without a spotter, three Off-Road Vehicles Act helmet violations, 14 Liquor Licence and Control Act violations and five Highway Traffic Act violations.

OPP also laid charges for one count of hand-held communication device offence, two counts of fishing without a licence and an offence related to permitting the operation of a vessel without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

The OPP said alcohol-related offences and lifejacket violations accounted for more than half of all charges laid during the enforcement initiative, highlighting the importance of safe boating practices.

“A lifejacket only works if you’re wearing it,” the OPP said in a press release.

In addition to the charges laid, officers issued two seven-day driver’s licence suspensions as part of impaired operation investigations.

The OPP reminded residents that alcohol and boating do not mix.

“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,” the OPP said. “Your driver’s licence can be impacted whether you are operating a boat, vehicle, snowmobile, or ATV.”

Enforcement efforts will continue throughout the summer, with boaters and riders reminded to operate sober, carry required safety equipment, ensure licences and vessel registration documents are up to date, and wear a lifejacket when on or near water.

The OPP said it remains committed to enhancing marine and trail safety through enforcement, education and public awareness initiatives across Ontario.

Anyone who observes suspicious, impaired, aggressive or unsafe operation on Ontario roads, waterways or trails is encouraged to contact police. In an emergency, call 911.

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