May 14, 2009 - Today, Thunder Bay’s SAVE (Snowmobile ATV Vessel Education) Committee launched the second year of its “Break the Law…Pay the Price” campaign to encourage operators of boats to drive safely and drive sober, or bear the consequences.

With so many people going out for the walleye season opener this weekend, SAVE wants to get the word out about the dangers of drinking and operating a boat.

In 2008, the North West Region investigated five marine incidents, resulting in six deaths. All were male and all vessels involved were less than six meters in length. Last year, Ontario marine fatal incidents resulted in 30 deaths. Of those, 27 were males and three were females.

“This is a wake up call,” said Judi Marton, chair of the SAVE committee. That number means that one-fifth (1/5) of all boating related fatalities are from our Northwest region.  “We have a lot of avid fishermen in the area and they need to be aware of the real risks involved in ‘having a few beer in the boat’. The other factor that contributes to so many drowning fatalities is not wearing a personal flotation device.”

The Red Cross claims that up to 200 Canadians will drown this year as a result of boating-related incidents, and at least half of those will have alcohol in their blood. Operators of boats are reminded that OPP Officers and MNR Officers will be patrolling area lakes to ensure the safety of all boaters. 

The boat operators are reminded that OPP Officers and MNR Officers will be patrolling area lakes to ensure the safety of all boaters. Individuals caught drinking and boating could face major consequences such as:

·    losing their license for at least one year for all on-road and off-road vehicles.

·    paying a fine.

·    attending and paying for the “Back on Track” program.

·    paying to have ignition interlock installed for a minimum of one year (or choosing
     not to drive at all for another 12 months); and

·    having a criminal record.

The multi-faceted safe boating campaign, sponsored by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit will continue throughout the summer.

SAVE Committee’s mandate is to reduce injuries and fatalities in Northwestern Ontario resulting from the unsafe operation of recreational vehicles by raising awareness, providing education and enforcing the laws for safe ATV riding, boating and snowmobiling. Member organizations of the SAVE Committee include the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, TBT Engineering, Intola Safety, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Ontario Provincial Police, CP Railway Police, Thunder Bay Ambulance Services, Thunder Bay Fire & Rescue Service, North of Superior EMS, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board, City of Thunder Bay Recreation, Thunder Bay City Police as well as dedicated volunteers.

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