Hamilton Marine Unit warns public after weekend water rescue

The Hamilton Police Marine Unit is reminding the public about basic safety measures after four people had to be rescued from a boat in Hamilton Harbour.

Police say they received a call around 3 p.m. Sunday about a boat taking on water.

Two of the four people on board a Seadoo bowrider vessel ended up in the water after it hit some waves and quickly became swamped.

Police arrived quickly to rescue the people in the water and on board the boat. No one was injured during the incident.

The owner of the boat told police the situation escalated so quickly they would not have had time to put on their life jackets had they not already been wearing them.

“Although the outcome in this case was positive, circumstances such as this have the potential to end in tragedy,” said Hamilton police in a news release.

The Marine Unit has offered up some basic safety precautions for boaters this season:

Be prepared, both you and your vessel

• Operator competency
• Vessel mechanically sound
• All required safety equipment on board and in working order

Check and monitor weather conditions

• Prior to leaving dock
• While underway; if conditions deteriorate, return to port
• Always wear your PFD or lifejacket

Properly fitted, 1 for each person on board

• Although only required to be on board, it must be worn to work
• Be aware and adhere to capacity guidelines

Check the capacity label on your boat for person/weight restrictions

• Do not overload your boat
• Small vessels are particularly susceptible to swamping/capsizing