Swimmer In Distress Rescued

(ASHFIELD-COLBORNE-WAWANOSH TWP, ON) On Friday August 15, 2014, shortly after 2:20 p.m. Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were dispatched to Point Farms Provincial Park where a swimmer was reportedly in distress.

Investigation revealed that a number of males had been swimming in Lake Huron at Point Farms Provincial Park. The males who were approximately 25 meters out into the lake decided to return to shore. One of the males remained in the water and swam further out. The lone male who was now approximately 35 meters from shore appeared to be in distress and was yelling for help. He was having difficulty in the rough water and was unable to make it back to shore on his own.

Three males entered the water with floatation devices and swam out the distressed swimmer. They reached the male and were able to safely pull him to the shore where he was attended to by Huron EMS paramedics. The distressed male, a 21 year old Township of Perth East resident was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

Water conditions at the time were less than ideal, it was windy and the waves were high. It is believed that the swimmer may have encountered an undertow. Without the efforts of the three males this incident may have had a tragic outcome.

The Huron County OPP wants to remind the public, that when strong winds are blowing and large waves are rolling in, beach goers and swimmers have to respect the power of the rip current (undertow). This is the force of the water returning to the centre of the lake after hitting the sore. Very seasoned and capable swimmers have lost their lives in the rough waters of Lake Huron. Experts recommend swimming across, not against a rip current, however the best way to protect your self is to avoid them all together by staying out of the water when it is windy and the waves are large.

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