IN CASE OF EMERGENCY DIAL 9-1-1
911 should be dialed to save a life, report a fire or report a crime in progress
All Other Issues – Call 1 888-310-1122 to speak to a dispatcher 24/7
Ontario Provincial Police
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are responsible for patrolling all provincial highways, numerous provincial waterways, and provide police services to any rural communities in Ontario that don’t have their own municipal or regional police service. The OPP also work closely with other provincial agencies, including the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Natural Resources to enforce highway safety and conservation regulations. The OPP provide air support for search and rescue and also provide specialized response services across the province.
Reporting Boater Behaviour
When possible, reports of bad boating behaviour should be made to the OPP at 1 888-310-1122. This is the non-emergency line which is available 24/7.
The OPP are prepared to follow up on reports of poor boater behaviour, including dangerous driving (speeding thorough slow zones, slaloming PWCs through inner channels, etc.), drinking while driving and even environmental or pollution offences. The OPP has zero tolerance for alcohol consumption while driving, speeding and lack of life jackets. Excessive engine noise is not a complaint that is easy for the OPP to deal with.
The more information a caller can provide to the OPP the better, such as exact location, time, colour/style/name/license number of boat(s) involved. Pictures are even better.
Police prefer complainants to go on the record when making a complaint but understand that circumstances arise where people prefer to remain anonymous. The OPP will honour such requests. If the complaint involves a criminal offence and you wish to remain anonymous, you can also call Crime Stoppers.
The OPP appreciates any help in communicating the above to cottagers, including through local cottager associations. It was suggested that GBA Member Associations provide the OPP with community directories where they exist.
Additional Resources:
Snowmobiles
OPP 2018 Boating Fatality Statistics
