The HPS Marine Unit responded to the waters after receiving a call from a boater in distress after their vessel caught on fire approx 1.5 km north of Van Wagner's beach. The three occupants aboard were all wearing their required life jackets and were forced to evacuate for safety reasons. The two adult males and adult females were quickly located by the HPS Marine Unit, floating near their 20-foot bowrider, which had become fully engulfed in flames.

The three occupants were safely recovered and transported back to shore, where Hamilton Paramedic Service, Hamilton Fire Department and Police were waiting to provided any additional assistance. The three boaters were all transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

A bond between two friends became a little stronger last night when a 10-year-old saved his friend from the icy waters of Lake Ontario. The Hamilton Police ACTION team was in the area at the time and helped pull the child to safety.

On December 19, 2019, shortly before 6:30 p.m., two boys ventured out to the docks on the east side of the Hamilton Bay Sailing Club when one of the boys slipped and fell into the water. By a stroke of luck, the Hamilton Police ACTION team was patrolling the area and noticed a person in the water.

When police located the boys, the one child was almost fully submerged with his friend holding onto him. Police acted quickly and pulled the child out of the water.

EMS attended and the boys were cleared from needing further medical treatment.

When water begins to freeze on rivers, lakes and other open bodies of water, it may look solid but it is often still dangerous. Hamilton Police would like to remind the public about staying safe before venturing onto icy surfaces.

ICE SAFETY TIPS:

• Although ice has begun to form on many local bodies of water, it's too early in the season to consider recreational ice activities.

• The ice in most locations is too thin to safely support the weight of a person. Fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions make the ice unpredictable.

• At this point, we strongly advise that everyone stay off any frozen bodies of water in our area. Keep children close and pets on a leash, remaining on marked pathways/trails.

• Ice should be a minimum of 4" thick before walking or skating on it. This guideline applies to clear hard ice only. Do not go out onto grey ice as this indicates the presence of water.

• If someone falls through thin ice, do not rush in after them. Call 911 immediately. You can try to reach for them with long objects like poles, branches, rope, or a hose.

Hamilton Police Marine Unit safely assisted five youths from the water during the afternoon thunderstorms on Lake Ontario.

On August 6, 2019, shortly before 11:00 a.m., police were patrolling the waters and noticed two small sailboats under the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge. The rain was heavy and the wind had picked up. The Hamilton Police Marine Unit noticed that the two boats travelling together were unable to maintain control before they capsized, sending the 11 and 12-year-old sailing students into the water.

The youths were all wearing lifejackets and sustained no injuries.

Police brought the youths aboard and towed their boats back to LaSalle Marina in Burlington.

Thunderstorms develop quickly and create dangerous wind and wave conditions which can turn a day’s pleasure of boating into a frightening experience. Safety begins ashore with planning and training.

On May 1, 2018, shortly before 6:00 p.m. a mayday call was broadcasted. A vessel was disabled and the high winds were pushing it out further into the water.

Hamilton Police Marine received a call from Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) in Trenton Ontario, about a vessel in distress on Lake Ontario. It was floating approximately 1.5 nautical miles north of Fifty Point Marina. The boat had no power and it was unable to steer.

The sailboat and the two occupants on board was located safely, approximately two nautical miles north of Fifty Point Marina drifting in strong winds and 1.5 metre waves.

The boat was safely towed back to the marina.

Hamilton Police remind boaters and people traveling on water to take the time to be prepared. Check your equipment, check your weather forecast, know your signals and know your destination. It’s easy and smart.

For further information on boat safety and tips please visit the Hamilton Police website and look for the Marine section. https://goo.gl/oJcHJo