Ontario Provincial Police are urging motorists, swimmers and boaters to prioritize safety ahead of the Labour Day long weekend. OPP statistics show Labour Day weekend has seen more fatalities than any other long weekend over the last decade, with 69 collisions and 76 deaths since 2015. Lambton OPP Community Engagement Officer Tyler Campbell warned swimmers to never swim alone and to wear a life-jacket rather than merely having one nearby. Campbell also told boaters to check weather and water conditions, tell others where they will be and when they expect to return, and noted even strong swimmers can be endangered by waves, currents, cold water, fatigue or changing weather. On roads, Campbell urged vigilance during one of the busiest weekends, citing speeding, impaired driving, driver inattention and lack of seatbelt use as leading causes of fatal crashes. The OPP reminded the public that impaired boating is a criminal offence that can lead to licence suspension, vehicle impoundment and court costs.
