Charges have been laid against one of the men involved in a water rescue on the Snye River last week.
Walpole Island First Nation Police, the Chatham-Kent Police Service, and Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services responded to a near drowning complaint in the Ecarte Channel on August 23, around 6:30am.
Police said the investigation revealed the two men were allegedly consuming alcohol on August 22 and decided to go out boating. Officers added neither was wearing a life jacket and one fell into the water around 11pm. Police said the second male jumped into the water to save him causing the boat to continue drifting in the channel and become lost. Officers added both males made it to shore.
The one male who was rushed to hospital in serious condition has improved and been released from the hospital.
Police said the 35-year-old Wallaceburg boat owner has been charged with failing to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of craft and persons on board.
The OPP Chatham-Kent Detachment is reminding boaters to exercise boating safety and along with a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, boat owners are required by law to carry:
• Canadian-approved flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each passenger on board
• Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length
• Watertight flashlight OR Canadian approved flares - Type A,B or C
• Sound-signalling device
• Manual propelling device (i.e. paddle) OR an anchor with at least 15 metres of rope, chain or cable
• Bailer OR manual water pump
• Class 5 BC fire extinguisher
For more information, refer to the Office of Boating Safety website.