FROM: Corporate Communications
DATE: October 1, 2024
SAFETY FIRST: INDIVIDUALS FOUND SAFE AFTER WATER SEARCH
(INNISFIL, ON) – On Sunday, September 29, 2024 at approximately 5:07 p.m., South Simcoe Police received a call regarding a concern over a group of three individuals who had not been heard from for several hours. Three young persons in their mid-to-late teens were last seen on a paddleboard at the Leonard Beach area on Lake Simcoe. Members of the South Simcoe Police Marine Unit and the Drone Operator were dispatched to begin the search.
Fortunately, the three individuals were located by another boater at approximately 5:53 p.m. and were safely returned to shore. The three individuals were on the same paddleboard together and did not have the adequate number of personal floatation devices (PFDs) required. They were cautioned by police and educated about proper usage of PFDs.
PFDs for anyone on the water are required by law, and there must be one available for each person. South Simcoe Police urge anyone on the water to educate themselves about water safety and regulations. Winds and water currents can change rapidly and even the most experienced people on the water can become vulnerable to inclement weather and water conditions.
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