The police rarely visit our lakes, but this does not mean we are somehow exempt from the regulations. And 'rarely' does not mean 'never': the OPP launched a small boat on Waseosa last Sunday and stopped several boats (including at least one canoe) to conduct safety checks before the rain started.

You must have, at a bare minimum, an approved lifejacket or PFD in good condition and of appropriate size for every person in the boat, a bailing bucket, a battery-operated watertight light (with working batteries!) or 3 approved marine flares, a floating throw rope and either a paddle, a set of oars or an anchor and a pea-less whistle or other sound-signaling device. A sailboard, paddle boat or water cycle is exempt most of the above if you are wearing the lifejacket or PFD and have a pea-less whistle.

In addition, if your boat is motorized, you must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or other proof of competency with you on board the boat. This applies to any motorized boat of any size, even a canoe with an electric trolling motor or a sailboat under power. There are no more age exemptions -- this applies to everyone, of any age.

The only exceptions are foreign residents who crossed the border WITH their boat less than 45 days ago, foreign residents who have a similar certification from their home state, persons who have certification from the Power Squadron or similar training from before the PCOC card was introduced and persons operating a rental boat who received a dock-side safety briefing. You must carry proof of entry, residency, training and/or the rental agreement in the boat with you at all times to qualify for an exemption.

Fines start at $250. They can also potentially seize your boat to prevent a recurrence of the offense.

Of course, the OPP is also looking for other infractions such as alcohol in the boat.

Below is excerpts from the Criminal Code related to boating

PART VIII Offences Against the Person and Reputation

Bodily Harm and Acts and Omissions Causing Danger to the Person

250 (1) Every one who operates a vessel while towing a person on any water skis, surf-board, water sled or other object, when there is not on board such vessel another responsible person keeping watch on the person being towed, is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

250 (2) Every one who operates a vessel while towing a person on any water skis, surf-board, water sled or other object during the period from one hour after sunset to sunrise is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

PART XI Wilful and Forbidden Acts in Respect of Certain Property

Interfering with marine signal, etc.

439 (1) Every one who makes fast a vessel or boat to a signal, buoy or other sea-mark that is used for purposes of navigation is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

439 (2) Every person who intentionally alters, removes or conceals a signal, buoy or other sea-mark that is used for purposes of navigation is guilty of

• (a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; or

• (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

PART XXVII - Summary Convictions

Punishment: General penalty

787 (1) Unless otherwise provided by law, every person who is convicted of an offence punishable on summary conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $5,000 or to a term of imprisonment of not more than two years less a day, or to both.