Skip to content

Frigid water prompts warning from police

Four people, two adults and two children, aged 9 and 10, were thrown into the water
USED 170511 10 Red canoes. Photo by Brenda Turl for BayToday.
File photo by Brenda Turl for BayToday

OPP is asking you to enjoy area waterways but be diligent about safety.

On the morning of May 10, Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a 9-1-1 call about a canoe with four people on board that capsized in the Muskoka River.

All four people, two adults and two children, aged 9 and 10, were thrown into the water.

"Fortunately, the children were wearing life-jackets in the frigid water and all four individuals made it to shore where they were assessed by Muskoka EMS. One adult was transported to hospital for further, non-life-threatening, care," says an OPP release.

"If you are considering being out on the water in any type of vessel this spring, please remember that the water is still very cold and that can inhibit your ability to save yourself," adds the release. "Also remember that life-jackets, or personal flotation devices, are available in a variety of sizes. Your life-jacket can only keep you afloat if it fits you. Younger children will slip out of an adult-sized life-jacket. Ensure that you have done your research and have the necessary safety equipment on board and always share your plan with a person on land so that if you encounter trouble, it will be available to emergency services."