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Voyageurs National Park buoys adjusted

Navigational aids being removed from parts of Rainy Lake

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A sign that summer is over and winter is on its way.

The removal of navigational aids and buoys is underway on the American side of the lake.

Staff at Voyageurs National Park are also removing them from Kabetogama, Namakan and Sand Point Lakes.

The work is expected to take a few weeks.

Boaters are being advised to use caution, especially given that the lake’s level has been lower than normal this year because of drier weather conditions and hazards are easily exposed.

OPP police boat - suppliued

OPP charge Minnesota resident in Rainy Lake boating incident

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A resident of Minnesota has been charged following a collision between two boats on Rainy Lake.

Provincial Police say it happened in the area of Bears Passage, east of Fort Frances.

Police say one boat was stationary and fishing in a narrows when the other made contact as it moved through the same area.

Five people on board the two vessels were not hurt and were able to make their way back to shore.

A 78-year-old was charged with careless operation of a vessel.

OPP boats

Provincial Police promoting safe boating practices this long weekend

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It is the start of a busy year on the waters for the Ontario Provincial Police.

Their marine units will be out in force this May long weekend.

Lifejacket use will be one of the things they will closely monitor.

OPP says 83 percent of all marine-related deaths in the past decade have been connected to a lifejacket not being worn or not worn properly.

Two hundred and forty-nine people have died between 2016 and 2026.

More than one hundred people were using various human-powered watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.

Impairment by alcohol or drugs, operator inexperience, poor weather, and hazardous waterways have also contributed to some of the fatalities.

Police say officers will also be patrolling to ensure other provincial and federal laws are being followed.