How the Hamilton police marine unit is policing the water during COVID-19
Hamilton police are reminding boaters that physical-distancing laws in place for COVID-19 are no different on the water than anywhere else.
We're getting a lot of calls in the office," said Const. Mark Phibbs of the marine unit, adding that people have questions about what is and isn't allowed. The answer is simple: It's the same rules on water as on land."
Police are recommending boaters only go out with members of their family from the same household. Even on a large boat it's difficult to maintain two metres apart, he added.
It's been a slow start to the boating season with marinas closed until mid-May amid restrictions because of the virus.
The marine unit includes four full-time police officers and four spares." A team of two officers is out on a boat every day, with two police boats on the water on long weekends. They police Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario out to the Fifty Point Marina.
Every year they start the season with an educational blitz," in which police stop boats and check for safety equipment. So far this year, they've done 78 vessel inspections and issued 26 warnings. But Phibbs noted that some of those could be for as minor an issue as not having working batteries in a flashlight. They've only laid one safety charge - against a kayaker on May 28.
What's new for police this year is also checking for Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) laws that include no social gatherings of five or more people from different households.
Phibbs said if there are multiple adults on the boat, police are asking whether everyone is from the same household.
We've found most people are pretty good with compliance," Phibbs said.
There was just one incident on the May long weekend when the marinas were first allowed to open. Police stopped a boat with six people from two separate households. Police gave them a warning.
The marine unit isn't seeing many large vessel, Phibbs said, adding that they're more seeing single fishermen and kayakers.
Police have only been to a couple water rescues so far this year. That includes an incident where a dog fell in the water by the lift bridge and the owners went in after it - with the help of the marine unit, everyone got out safety.
Because of COVID-19 police are also trying to keep their distance, Phibbs said. Normally police come right up beside a boat and even grab onto the side during a stop. This year they're generally keeping back and asking people to hold up documents.
Out of the water, it's Hamilton bylaw officers that are taking the lead on COVID-19 law enforcement. As of Friday, they have issued 167 charges, mostly for people caught using closed amenities including escarpment stairs and waterfalls.
Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com