Urgent Recall Alert: Ontario Family’s Sea-Doo Nearly Capsizes

URGENT UPDATE: A family from St. Isidore, Ontario, experienced a terrifying near-capsize incident involving their Sea-Doo Switch, raising alarms about the safety of this watercraft model. The incident occurred this past summer when the boat began taking on water after being hit by the wake of another vessel, threatening the safety of three young children on board.

Markus Haerle, the boat owner, described the moment as harrowing. “Water started coming into the boat,” he recounted. “It was like a scoop, scooping up water into the boat.” With the boat’s rear lifting out of the water and the front submerged, Haerle feared for his grandchildren’s safety, recalling, “Thank goodness they had lifejackets on. That saved the day as it could have turned into a great disaster.”

After safely navigating the Sea-Doo back to shore, Haerle discovered troubling reports of similar incidents involving Sea-Doo Switches in Washington D.C. and Florida. In response to these safety concerns, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) issued a safety recall notice in February 2023, advising users that overloading the front of the boat could lead to capsizing, a risk underscored in a safety video from the company.

Despite these warnings, Haerle feels the measures taken have not adequately addressed the risks. “They have not solved the issue with that boat, and it will capsize in smaller waves,” he asserted.

When contacted by CTV News, a BRP spokesperson emphasized their commitment to safety, stating, “Bombardier Recreational Products takes any incident with its products very seriously. Our riders’ safety is our top priority.” The company maintains that the Sea-Doo Switch complies with all relevant safety standards, including those set by the U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian regulations.

Haerle, who invested approximately $64,000 in the watercraft including taxes, has since returned the Sea-Doo to the dealer, citing safety concerns for his family. “We are actually asking Sea-Doo to reimburse us for that boat because it’s not safe for the family and no one will ever go on that boat again,” he said.

As the situation develops, the standoff continues between Haerle and BRP, with the family advocating for greater accountability and safety assurances from the manufacturer. The emotional impact of this incident looms large, especially for families considering similar purchases.

The community is urged to stay informed about the ongoing discussions regarding the safety of the Sea-Doo Switch and to heed all safety warnings.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it raises critical questions about watercraft safety and consumer protection.