Media availability: Come see RCMP marine vessels in action

KINGSTON, ON, May 10, 2016 /CNW/ - The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has many specialized units in order to combat crime and protect its citizens. This is especially true when it comes to patrolling the border on our waterways.

In advance of North American Safe Boating Awareness Week (May 21-27, 2016), many of the RCMP "O" Division vessels and marine officers will be at Confederation Park in Kingston, Ontario this week to participate in training exercises.  The MEDIA is invited to contact Sgt. Ian McNeill RCMP Marine Coordinator for availability and possible onboard photo opportunities with our Marine Security Enforcement Team (MSET) and Shiprider members.

RCMP MSET and Shiprider will once again be patrolling Ontario waterways during the entire 2016 boating season.

To date in 2016, there have been seven boating related fatalities as compared to one in 2015 during the same time period. 

Each year many people are needlessly killed or injured as a result of marine incidents. MSET and Shiprider will be on watch for unsafe boating practices and criminal activity on the waterways in Ontario.  The teams will also be patrolling the Canada/U.S. border ensuring that the public and commerce are able to safely move about the waterways.  The teams are proactive and will be randomly checking various vessels for required documents and equipment.

"With the warm weather finally upon us we can now expect to see many folks out enjoying recreational boating on our waterways,  so please as a reminder always be cautious, remember to wear your life jacket, don't drink & boat, and always be aware the water temperatures are still very cold." stated Sgt Ian McNeill, RCMP Marine Coordinator for Ontario.

The RCMP Coastal Watch program has been fully implemented and is an effective way to report suspicious activity on our waterways.  

To make a report call: RCMP Coastal Watch at 1-800-387-0020.

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police

For further information or to arrange media availability please contact: Sgt. Ian McNeill, Marine Coordinator, RCMP "O" Division (Ontario), Phone: [phone], [email protected]