On Friday August 23, 2024, the South Bruce OPP were contacted in relation to an unfolding marine incident on Lake Huron off the shore of Boiler Beach Road in Huron-Kinloss.
At approximately 8:35 pm, three individuals were reported overdue by family on Lake Huron. Police launched a search for the individuals and determined their canoe had capsized causing them to swim for over an hour.
Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre (JRCC), OPP Emergency Response Team, Fire, and Bruce County EMS assisted in the investigation. The individuals were located in the water by the Kincardine Volunteer Auxiliary Coastguard Unit and brought to shore. EMS transported one individual to hospital for observation. The three individuals were wearing their lifejackets.
The South Bruce OPP would like to remind the public that the only lifejacket that will save your life is the one you are wearing.
The OPP thank the Kincardine Auxiliary Coastguard Unit for being in the water and assisting the South Bruce OPP.
The South Bruce OPP Marine Unit recommends that vessel owners/operators download the Safe Boating Guide found here: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/office-boating-safety.
Examples of safety equipment include:
- Lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
- Reboarding Device
- Buoyant Heaving Line
- Manual Bilge Pump
- Flares
What you need to carry varies by vessel / vessel length, but it’s imperative that you ensure you have the required safety equipment on board before you leave the dock.
The time to find out it’s lacking, is not when you need it most.
The South Bruce OPP is reminding the public that being impaired on a vessel is a crime and carries the same penalties as driving a vehicle while impaired. Report dangerous activities by calling 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
