Over the last few months, the Ontario Provincial Police, East Region Marine and SAVE units have been patrolling our lakes and rivers. Unfortunately, several charges have been laid in relation to equipment, licences and operation. On too many occasions, boat operators do not have enough life jackets on board. There is a $240 fine plus an additional $100 for each additional life jacket that is missing. A life jacket can only save a life if it is on and is the appropriate size for each person on board the vessel. Lights are not being used at night, and boats are still being operated with open alcohol on board. Boat operators often don’t have proof that they took the boater safety exam on board with them, and they are often missing various pieces of mandatory equipment. For a full list for your vessel, go to: http://www.tc.gc.ca/Publications