Marine Unit
Responding to calls on Lake Simcoe and other waterways within the Region is a year-round responsibility for the seven police officers assigned to the Marine Unit. Of the three vessels in the Marine Unit fleet, the Waawaatesi is the largest, measuring 34 feet. The medium-sized Naawij navigates smaller, shallower inlets, while the newest addition to the fleet, the Dawaabin, offers an all-season approach, travelling on both ice in the winter and water in the summer and in the shallowest of niches along the shoreline. Ensuring residents enjoy our recreational areas safely starts with education. More than 500 residents and visitors attend our annual Boater Information Day held at York Region’s northern waterfront. Water safety and on-site vessel inspections help educate boaters, swimmers and anglers about how to stay safe.
Partnerships
- Georgina Island Police
- Ontario Provincial Police
- South Simcoe Police
- Ministry of Natural Resources
- Office of boating safety Web site (has a course provider directory)
- Safe Boating Publications
- York Region EMS
- Boating safety infoline: 1800-267-6687
Programs
Cottage Watch
The York Regional Police Marine Unit have initiated a Cottage Watch Program for all seasonal residents in the Lake Simcoe patrol area within York Region. In an attempt to reduce crimes against property, the York Regional Police will conduct periodic spot checks of properties in the area and notify you in case of an emergency. To register, download the form from our Online Forms section under Online Services, fill it out, and email it to us as an attachment to 844@yrp.ca
Save-a-life Program
The Marine Unit will continue to participate in the Save a Life Campaign by conducting regular patrols and RIDE spot checks, and promote awareness, education, and enforcement during the summer months.
Boating Awareness Program - annual events The Marine Unit held its 3rd Annual Information Session in June of 2003. This will continue on an annual basis, and may expand to 2 locations each year.
Boat Registration - year around
The Marine Unit continues to run the Vessel Registry Program for all vessels on Lake Simcoe and will continue to maintain the database. There are approximately 250 vessels currently registered in the program.
RIDE Program
Policing partners from other agencies join the Marine Unit to conduct spot checks on Lake Simcoe. Members from MADD support and attend on the various dates throughout the year.
Safe Shores
The Safe Shores initative ensures a safe environment for visitors enjoying outdoor activities every summer along the south shore of Lake Simcoe. Police initiatives in 2008 included increased patrols by multi-lingual officers and a family fishing day held at Georgina's De La Salle Park, hosted in partnership with our community and government partners. Hundreds of visitors from all across Ontario learned about personal and outdoor safety and the many family activities in the Town of Georgina.
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
The Marine Unit conducts regular ride-alongs with members of the MNR and with their assistance, enforce the Wildlife and Conservation Act.
Water Watch (Crimestoppers on the Water)
The Marine Unit continues to be involved in the Water Watch Program which is run through Crime Stoppers of York Region. Water watch signs are posted in 22 marinas on Lake Simcoe. Anonymous tips received regarding criminal activity relating to the water get investigated by Marine Unit members.
Coast Guard Vessel Inspections
The Marine Unit continues to offer Coast Guard Courtesy Inspections in conjunction with the Office of Boating Safety. Inspection days are set up at different marinas throughout the boating season, but individual inspections will always be done on request.
