Mayor Luke Charbonneau is far from pleased with the current length of time its taking for OPP and the Coast Guard to arrive for rescues in in the water locally.
Charbonneau was charged up when it was found the OPP were unaware Southampton didn’t have an Auxiliary coast Guard unit anymore which he says they should know since they’re in the business of marine rescue.
The Saugeen Shores Fire Department is responsible for near and offshore rescues. Charbonneau sounded off saying it falls on the OPP to do more.
“It’s their jurisdiction, its their responsibility to patrol it, ensure its safe and I think its their responsibility to do more to serve the water off the Town of Saugeen Shores, Sauble Beach, Saugeen First Nation. These are busy beaches with a lot of marine activity.” said Charbonneau.
Mayor Charbonneau adds if they won’t patrol the waters then he’s looking to see the OPP and Coast Guard front the $40,000 cost footed by the town for volunteer firefighters to have the needed training to complete safe rescues.
