Printed Feb 15, 2024 • 3 minute learn
Final July, Gray Bruce OPP and the Canadian Coast Guard rescued occupants from this capsized sailboat Saturday, in Lake Huron. All have been carrying life-jackets. There have been no accidents reported. (OPP-supplied photograph) Photograph by OPP File Photograph
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The truth that the OPP have been unaware Southampton not has an Auxiliary Coast Guard unit “disappointed” Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau who stated “they should know, particularly since they’re in the business of marine rescue…” Charbonneau stated on the Jan. 29 council assembly that included correspondence from the OPP on the agenda.
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In that letter OPP Chief Superintendent, Commander West Area, Dwight Thib stated the OPP patrols Lake Huron, together with the Saugeen Shores lakefront, with a launch patrol space from Tobermory to Grand Bend with the boat’s location altering day by day.
“When these areas are patrolled, the OPP makes their presence known at the marina in each individual municipality and up and down the shoreline. If a marine-related call for service is received on the lake in Saugeen Shores, the OPP will respond,” Sup. Thib stated.
Mayor Charbonneau stated the very fact stays that Saugeen Shores is underserved by the OPP and Coast Guard.
“ Ontario Chronicle Guard has units in Tobermory, Goderich and Meaford – fulltime units – and Kincardine does have an Auxiliary Coast Guard Unit but they’re not able to respond here, not large enough to do that…” he stated.
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At the moment, the Saugeen Shores Fireplace Division does close to and offshore rescues which are the legislated accountability of the Canadian Coast Guard and the OPP, and within the occasion of a marine emergency, the OPP should reply from both Kincardine, Meaford or Wiarton. In Saugeen Shores, which means response instances may be over an hour and “Sadly, that can lead to recoveries instead of rescues,” the City’s preliminary letter to the province stated.
Charbonneau stated it’s the OPP’s jurisdiction and accountability to patrol the waters of the large, busy seashores of Saugeen Shores, Saugeen First Nation and Sauble Seashore.
“And they should have a better presence here, or if they cannot do that, then provide some funding, at least, to support increased activities on our front…”he stated, including the City should proceed to pursue the problem.
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OPP’s letter to the City of Saugeen Shores
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has been requested to answer your letter, despatched to the Honourable Michael Kerzner, Solicitor Normal, relating to OPP search and rescue providers in Saugeen Shores.
As Commander of West Area, I’m accountable for overseeing operational actions undertaken throughout the area and am happy to reply.
As famous in your letter, the first accountability for search and rescue stays with the Canadian Coast Guard. Kincardine and Southampton have Auxiliary Coast Guard models whereas Goderich, Tobermory and Meaford have full-time models.
As you’re conscious, the Saugeen Shores Police Service doesn’t have a marine program, because the water falls below the OPP’ s policing jurisdiction. This is identical association that’s held with many municipal police providers and municipalities in Ontario.
The OPP patrols Lake Huron, which incorporates the lakefront to Saugeen Shores. The launch patrol space is from Tobermory to Grand Bend and the boat’s location modifications every day.
When these areas are patrolled, the OPP makes their presence recognized on the marina in every particular person municipality and up and down the shoreline. If a marine-related name for service is obtained on the lake in Saugeen Shores, the OPP will reply.
The OPP’s response to Saugeen Shores can be the identical if it have been to another group, relying on the place the launch is and if a secondary vessel and operator can be found if the launch is out of the realm.
The OPP values its relationship with the City of Saugeen Shores and can proceed working with all our companions to make sure marine security in Ontario.
Thanks to your correspondence.
I respect the chance to reply.
Yours really,
Dwight Thib
Chief Superintendent Commander West Area
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