Marine Unit

Members of the York Regional Police Marine Unit receive special training to respond to calls for service year-round on all waterways in York Region. The unit continually adapts to new demands and unique situations. The unit's flagship - Waawaatesi - is made of high-grade aluminum and measures 34 feet. A 26-foot fiberglass Seaswirl, two-ridged hull inflatable Zodiac and two Yamaha Wave Runners complete the summer fleet. An even longer aluminum ship has been ordered for the unit and is presently in the design phase. It is expected to be in service for the early spring of 2013.  

Over the winter months, the Marine Unit patrols and responds to emergencies on the ice using snowmobiles, All-Terrain Vehicles and a custom-built 24-foot airboat called Dawaabin. Dawaabin has a flat polymer bottom that allows it to travel smoothly across ice, snow and water with nearly seamless transitions.

Safety on the water begins with education. As a result, the Marine Unit regularly attends community events to promote safe boating, angling and swimming. The unit also annually hosts Boater Information Day. Regardless of season or weather, the Marine Unit can reach any of York Region's waterways to ensure residents and guests have a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

Partnerships

• - South Simcoe Police Services
• - Barrie Police Service
• - Durham Regional Police Service
• - Peel Regional Police
• - Ottawa Police Service
• - Royal Canadian Air Force
• - Ontario Provincial Police
• - York Region EMS
• - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 

Programs

Save-A-Life
The Marine Unit participates int he Save-A-Life campaign by conducting regular patrols and promoting awareness, education and enforcement all year round.

Boating Awareness Programs
The Marine Unit hosts various boating awareness programs such as the annual Boater Information Day. They also attend and participate in many events held by York Regional Police Support Services, Community Services and #3 District's Community Oriented Response Unit.

R.I.D.E. Program
Policing partners from other agencies regularly join the Marine Unit to conduct spot checks on Lake Simcoe. Members from MADD also support and attend these programs throughout the year.

Safe Shores
The Safe Shores initiative ensures a safe environment for visitors enjoying outdoor acitvities every summer along the south shore of Lake Simcoe. The initiative includes increased patrols by multilingual offiers and a Safe Shores Fishing and Information Day held at Georgina's De La Salle Park hosted jointly with community and government partners. The Safe Shores initiative assists hundreds of visitors from all across Ontario in learning about personal and outdoor safety and about the many family activities available in the Town of Georgina.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Ridealongs
The Marine Unit conducts regular ridealongs with members of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. With their assistance, the unit enforces the Wildlife Conservation Act.

Water Watch
The Marine Unit participates in the Water Watch program run by Crime Stoppers of York Region. Water Watch signs are posted in 22 marinas on Lake Simcoe and any anonymous tips received regarding criminal activity on the water are investigated by Marine Unit officers.

Links

Canadian Safe Boating Council
www.csbc.ca

Smartboater.ca
www.smartboater.ca

Transport Canada
www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marine-menu.htm

Lifesaving Society National Office
www.lifesaving.ca

MADD York Region Chapter
www.madd.ca/york

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
www.ofsc.on.ca