A total of 18 charges and 75 warnings were handed out after extensive patrols of the Detroit River watershed this past weekend.

The OPP Essex County Marine Unit, along with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Essex County OPP Core Officers laid the charges under the Canada Shipping Act, Fish and Wildlife Act and Liquor Licence Act.

Police say the warmer weather caused a high level of vessels on the waterway, especially near LaSalle and Amherstburg, during the three day period.

The late arrival of spring has made for a cold start to the boating season. Police warn cold waters are dangerous and it is especially important to wear a life jacket during cold water seasons.

Windsor police started water patrols last week.