Small Boat Capsizes – Name Of Deceased With No Lifejacket Released

(FRENCH RIVER, ON) –On Saturday October 15, 2016 at approximately 3:42 p.m., officers of the Noelville Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were notified of a possible drowning on Lower Sturgeon Lake in French River.

Police investigation revealed that two males were fishing in a small boat when it capsized, sending them both in the water. Upon police arrival, one male was located on the shore without any vital signs. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The victim, Joceyln MICHAUD, 69 years old, of French River, Ontario was not wearing a lifejacket or PFD at the time of the incident.

The Noelville OPP would like everyone heading out on the waterways to reflect upon the numerous tragic and preventable deaths and injuries that occur on Ontario’s lakes and rivers, due to careless behaviour, every year. This time of year, the water temperatures are much cooler and can cause hypothermia in a matter of seconds.

For the outdoor enthusiasts, hunters heading to their hunt camp, check the load capacity of your boat. Take a second trip, if necessary, to avoid over loading your boat. Distribute the load evenly so that your vessel is not prone to tipping or taking on water.

A big wake can easily upset a smaller craft and can cause property damage along shorelines. Boating restriction regulations limit speed to 10 km/hour when operating within 30 meters of shore.

The OPP supports proactive steps that will help reduce provincial drowning deaths. For more information, go to: Transport Canada website at: www.csbc.ca or www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/menu.htm .

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