First Responders Rescue 17 Year Old From Lake Ontario

(SOUTH MARYSBURGH, ON) – On the April 11th, 2017, at approximately 4:15 PM, officers from Ontario Provincial Police Prince Edward County Detachment (OPP) were called to Point Traverse at the southeast tip of Prince Edward County. Officers arrived and determined that a 17 year old male was stranded in the water approximately 1.5 kilometers from shore near Timber Island. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Prince Edward County Fire Department (FIRE) attended the scene. The Coast Guard (Coast Guard) and Search and Rescue (SAR) from CFB Trenton were also requested The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) was in the area and offered assistance with the rescue. The male was rescued from the raft by members of FIRE and transported by inflatable boat to Timber Island. SAR treated the male for hypothermia and the young man was transported to hospital via helicopter.

OPP would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public that being well-prepared is key to safe and enjoyable boating. Check your Boat. Familiarize yourself with the boat you are operating. Check the condition of your vessel and ensure it is properly prepared for the boating season.

Be Prepared. Mechanical breakdowns account for a significant number of calls for assistance to the OPP. Most of these embarrassing incidents are preventable by ensuring your vessel is serviceable, you have sufficient gas. Part of being prepared is also making sure that the weather and water conditions are suitable for your day out on the water.

Plan ahead. Remember when things go wrong on the water, it happens very quickly and you don’t always have time to react. A prudent skipper always discusses his or her plans with a family member before they set out.

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