OPP Patroling Local Waters

OPP have been busy on the area's waterways.

Police in the Rainy River District have logged more than 58-hours of marine patrol since the beginning of May, charging more than 20 people and issuing 30 warnings for a variety of provincial offences.

Constable Anne McCoy says one of their big focuses is looking for people who are drinking while operating their boats.

"We just want to remind people drinking alcohol and operating a vessel is very dangerous," says McCoy, "and can have dangerous consequences. Just like we run RIDE programs on the highway, we do check vessel to make sure the operators are no drinking and operating their vessels."

Police have also checked to ensure boaters are complying with federal boating regulations. Officers have been distributing Safe Boating Guides and educational materials to encourage compliance. McCoy says most boaters are complying with the rules, but they are finding some operators failing to have the basic safety equipment required.

OPP are also patrolling the waters with members of the Canada Border Services and the Ministry of Natural Resources.