(MATTAWA, ON) – The Mattawa Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was called to Paressex Falls, which is situated on the canoe waterway route to Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, Calvin Township. Police were informed that two canoeists had been injured.
On August 10, 2014, a North Bay couple rented a canoe with the intentions of canoeing from Pimisi Bay to the campgrounds of Samuel de Champlain park. This route is travelled by many canoe/outdoor enthusiasts of all ages every year. There is a series of rapids and portages along the route.
Neither canoeists had travelled this route before and neither one would be considered an experienced canoeists. Both parties had their life jackets on at the beginning of trip, but took them off when they became hot.
The canoeists lost control of their canoe on a set of rapids and they fell out. Both parties sustained minor injuries as they collided with rocks that were situated at the base of the falls. Both parties made it to shore and a short time later Yarko TSAPOVSKI and Ivan KOSTYRKO noticed debris in the water and went and searched for the owner of canoe. TSAPOVSKI AND KOSTYRKO located the canoeists, called 911, provided first aid and brought them to safety. All parties were met on shore by Calvin Fire Department, Mattawa OPP and paramedics.
The OPP commends the quick action of Yarko TSAPOVSKI and Ivan KOSTYRKO in rescuing the injured people.
When it comes to public safety, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) expects no less of boaters and paddlers navigating Ontario waterways than they do of motorists travelling on Ontario roads.
The OPP is reminding all boaters and paddlers that being well-informed and focused on safe boating practices is a sure-fire way to enjoy a tragedy-free boating season.
For more information about Safe Boating Awareness Week, visit the Canadian Safe Boating Council website.