“Getting a selfie from the water next to ferry in operation is not worth dying for”
By John Francis
The MS Chi-Cheemaun makes three trips per day from Tobermory to South Baymouth and back. Most of those trips are quite uneventful.
But on the middle trip on July 3, it was a challenge just getting off the dock. When departure time came, there were 13 rental kayaks directly behind the ferry, completely blocking its route. The ferry gave a single short blast, indicating it was leaving the dock. There was no reaction from any of the kayakers. A longer blast did not elicit any reaction either. After five short blasts, indicating imminent danger, the nearest group of five kayaks moved out of the way, but eight others a little further out did not move out of the way, despite a second series of five short blasts.
After several minutes, the ferry was able to leave the dock and thread the needle through the mass of kayaks by deviating well to the east of its normal path.
The ferry service is operated by Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC). Contacted by email, CEO Susan Schrempf commented:
“Yes, the kayak occupant behaviour last weekend was shocking. Not only is it an immediate danger to the kayakers who put themselves in harm’s way, but it also jeopardizes the ferry and everyone on board. We don’t have anywhere to go when evasive action must be taken. And the ferry doesn’t stop on a dime. It takes at least one football field or more depending on prevailing conditions. We would like small boat operators, including those in kayaks and on personal watercraft to stay off the field when we are navigating through it.
We believe the kayak renters could and should be given specific instructions not to be anywhere in the area of the ferry while it is docking, loading while at the dock, and departing the dock. We are using both main engines and bow thruster, all of which are create a suction force around the ferry that will result in the death of small boaters who may be caught, capsized, and sucked into the propulsion system.
We are in touch with federal and provincial authorities for assistance in safe boating enforcement, and we are considering a social media campaign “don’t let this be the last selfie you take”. Getting a selfie from the water next to ferry in operation is not worth dying for.
We also appreciate the media’s help in getting safe boating messages out in the public. We want people to enjoy the experience of being on the water, and we want them to know that it can be deadly if they are unprepared. Staying well clear of a big ship is right up there with wearing a life jacket and not being on the water under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
Kayaks vs Swimmers/Divers
Kayaks among the swimmers and divers are a constant concern at The Tugs dive site on the north shore of Little Tub Harbour in Tobermory. Escaping the busy shipping lane of Little Tub Harbour, kayakers tend to move north, into the middle of the swimming/diving area. Dive masters and others on shore try to divert them but it’s a constant conflict. A similar pattern happens — albeit less seriously — at Big Tub Lighthouse.
Parks Canada buoys warn off powered vessels from the area. But is it illegal to kayak among swimmers and divers? You could look it up on the Canada Shipping Act (good luck with that).
PWCs Scaring People Out of the Water
Bruce Peninsula Press has also received complaints about Personal WaterCraft (aka PWCs, Sea-Doos or JetSkis) being driven too fast, too close to shore and scaring people out of the water.
What are the rules and who enforces them? I asked Nicholas Wilson, who is the OPP Media Officer for Grey-Bruce. The safety regulations governing PWCs are the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act. Enforcement is the responsibility of the OPP. Grey-Bruce OPP has access to two, sometimes three patrol boats, all on trailers. One of them is smaller, intended for inland lakes; the other two are suitable for being put in on Lake Huron or Georgian Bay.
With a patrol area that stretches from Meaford to Tobermory to Kincardine, the OPP is responsible for a lot of ports and beaches.
You could report any instance of unsafe boating to the OPP, but the response will almost certainly come in the form of a cruiser rather than a patrol boat.
Unsafe/Unlicenced Fireworks
There have been a lot of complaints this year about fireworks. They traumatize some pets and babies and disturb some adults as well; sometimes they are used in an unsafe manner. I called MNBP Fire Chief Jack Burt to learn what I could.
All fireworks in MNBP require a permit. Fireworks permits are issued on the same municipal website as burning permits. They are not posted on a public page so it is difficult to tell whether a fireworks display on private property is licenced or not.
But there are a few things you can be sure of.
Fireworks permits are only available to property owners or long-term renters. They are only issued for private land.
So if fireworks are being set off at a public beach or park, on a street or in a parking lot, they’re definitely illegal. If they’re being set off at an STA, they’re probably illegal because only the property owner would be granted a licence, never the tenant.
I asked about enforcement and pointed out that fireworks displays rarely last more than a few minutes, which makes enforcement quite a challenge. Chief Burt agreed it is a challenge. He suggested that there will be Bylaw Enforcement personnel on duty later on weekend evenings. Setting off fireworks without a permit elicits a $155 fine; setting off fireworks during a fire ban carries a $355 fine. Enforcement can be carried out by Bylaw Enforcement or the Fire Department.
Chief Burt stated that we need more education on the burn permit and fireworks permit process. He also suggests signage in places where illegal fireworks are most frequent.
If fireworks are being used in an unsafe manner, call 911. Otherwise, it’s complicated. Bylaw Enforcement can be reached at the municipal number (519-793-3522) during business hours. After hours and weekends, call 866-750-8219; this is a live answering service that can contact on-duty Bylaw Enforcement personnel. Duty hours are: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9-5; Sunday, Monday and Thursday, 8:00AM to 9:00PM; Fridays and Saturdays (and Sundays of long weekends) 8:30AM to midnight. For record-keeping purposes, please let Chief Burt know whenever fireworks have been set off: firechief@northernbruce.ca
Councillor Megan Myles indicated on a recent Facebook post that she would propose a fireworks ban at the Council table on July 12. If adopted, this would simplify the enforcement process.
