Holiday Weekend Keeps PEC OPP Active on Roads and Waterways

Date: August 06, 2023

Police in Prince Edward County remained busy both on land and on the water as the long weekend continued, according to OPP Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant John Hatch.

Providing an update early Sunday, August 6, Hatch confirmed officers responded to a serious marine incident near Nicholson Island on Saturday. A canoe carrying three people capsized, but all occupants were wearing life jackets and were able to reach shore safely. One individual required assistance from the fire department.

In addition to marine calls, OPP officers conducted traffic enforcement throughout the county. Hatch reported that 30 drivers were stopped for various offences, including three impaired driving arrests.

A full enforcement summary is expected following the long weekend from Constable Aaron Miller, who also shared marine patrol images on social media as part of a public safety reminder.

One post emphasized boating safety, featuring alcohol near a vessel with the message: “Leave the beer on the pier and don’t forget your life jacket.”

While some boaters were observed operating unsafely, Miller also highlighted positive behaviour on the water. Officers issued six “positive tickets” to children wearing proper personal flotation devices while boating on West Lake.