NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
**********************
On Friday, July 26, 2024, the Marine Unit with the Niagara Regional Police Service were called to Sunset Beach in the City of St. Catharines due to reports of jet skiers not wearing life jackets and driving through swimming areas.
The Marine Unit arrived at the beach and observed a lone male operating a jet ski in an area that is blocked off to vessels. The male proceeded to open water and moved in between swimmers in the water. Once he reached the buoys, which are all marked with the words, "PRIVATE - No Watercraft" on them, he accelerated the vessel and began moving the jet ski in a slalom motion, weaving in and out of the majority of buoys lining the beach.
As a result of the operator's actions a 20-year-old male from St. Catharines was charged with:
- Operating a vessel in a careless manner, contrary to Canada Shipping Act, 2001 – Small Vessel Regulations
- Operating a non-human powered pleasure craft without prescribed firefighting equipment on board, contrary to Canada Shipping Act, 2001 – Small Vessel Regulations
- Operating pleasure craft without transferring licence - new owner, contrary to Canada Shipping Act, 2001
The Niagara Regional Police Service would like to remind the public that operating a vessel in a designated swimming area is prohibited and an offence. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of swimmers and to prevent accidents. It's important to be aware of and follow local rules and regulations when operating any kind of watercraft.
Anyone who observes anyone operating a vessel in a careless manner is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1024499.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
**********************
