Update: Charges laid after near-drowning

Chatham-Kent OPP officials say charges have been laid after a near-drowning incident near Walpole Island.

Police officials allege on August 23 around 6:30 a.m., members of the Walpole Island First Nation Police, Chatham-Kent Police Service and Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services responded to a near drowning complaint in the Ecarte Channel.

Investigation revealed, on August 22, around 8:30 p.m., after a day of consuming alcoholic beverages, two males decided to go out boating; neither was wearing their life jackets, police allege.

Around 11 p.m., one of the males fell into the water and ended up going underwater.

At this point, the second male jumped into the water to save him causing the boat to continue drifting in the channel and become lost.

Both males made it to shore where they waited until morning to be rescued, police say.

The adult male’s condition improved and he has been released from the hospital.

As a result, the male boat owner, a 35-year-old Wallaceburg man has been charged with operator of a pleasure craft failing to take all reasonable steps to ensure safety of craft and persons on board, contrary to the Canada Shipping Act 2001 – Small Vessel Regulations 201.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Chatham-Kent Detachment would like to remind boaters to exercise boating safety.

Boating Safety Equipment Requirements

Along with your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you are required by law to carry marine safety equipment. At a bare minimum, you should always have with you:

– Canadian-approved flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each passenger on board

– Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length

– Watertight flashlight OR Canadian approved flares – Type A,B or C

– Sound-signaling device

– Manual propelling device (i.e. paddle) OR an anchor with at least 15 metres of rope, chain or cable

– Bailer OR manual water pump

– Class 5 BC fire extinguisher

For more information, please refer to the Office of Boating Safety, visit their website at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.html

In addition to the safety equipment listed above, police highly recommend that you carry the following items – enough for everyone on board:

– Marine First Aid Kit

– Drinking water

– Sun-screen

– Hat

– Sunglasses

– Dry clothing (i.e. long-sleeved shirt)

– Snacks

– Waterproof matches

– Knife

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