Collingwood and the Blue Mountains OPP are reporting their Canada Day long weekend was mostly quiet this year.
According to OPP officials, local police were called to one marine call over the weekend, on July 2 at 11 a.m. about 100 metres off-shore from Northwinds Beach.
“Two parties were in a canoe that capsized and both were in the water, thankfully both wearing PFDs (personal flotation devices),” said Collingwood and Blue Mountain OPP Const. Martin Hachey.
“(The) OPP Marine Unit attended and helped them get back to shore.”
Hachey told CollingwoodToday.ca that local OPP responded to nine collisions over the three-day weekend, however all were minor with no reported injuries.
OPP officers also attended complaints for loud music and fireworks, however no tickets were handed out. One stolen vehicle was recovered in Collingwood, however Hachey said there are no charges at this time and the investigation into that matter is ongoing.
“Officers did issue many tickets for various Highway Traffic Act offences and conducted RIDE checks, all in an effort to keep our roads safe,” Hachey said.
Starting on June 30, Collingwood and Huronia West Detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) worked together on a joint marine patrol effort, and reported rescuing nine people in four separate incidents near Wasaga Beach over two days. On Thursday, June 30, seven of these people were rescued from the waters in a two-hour window.
While all nine were rescued without incident, only one was wearing a lifejacket.
Police would like to remind the public of the hazards involved with using inflatable toys, paddleboards and other water-based equipment. Inflatable toys are not a lifesaving device and provide a false sense of security. They should never replace a lifejacket or adult supervision.
