OPP urge boaters to make safety a priority at Pottahawk Sunday

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging anyone attending Norfolk County’s Pottahawk Sunday to make safety a priority on Lake Erie.

Each year, thousands of people travel by boat to Pottahawk Point for the annual gathering.

Despite most enjoying the event responsibly, officers have responded in the past to incidents involving alcohol, impaired boating, missing or stranded individuals, and boaters without a safe way to return to shore.

OPP are encouraging boaters to plan their return trip before leaving shore and to avoid accepting unknown passengers who may not have made arrangements to get home safely.

Officers will patrol the water and marinas all day to conduct boat safety checks and ensure emergency lanes remain open.

Police will also patrol area roadways, focusing on unsafe driving behaviours such as impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and the failure to wear a seatbelt.

OPP are reminding those who plan to attend to wear a lifejacket while boating, to never operate a boat while impaired and to carry a reliable means of communication, as well as a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

READ MORE: Police urge public to take precautions at Pottahawk this weekend