OPP is sounding the alarm after 10 drownings already this year in Eastern Ontario.
Police are stressing that simple actions such as wearing a life jacket can help reverse this disturbing trend – a safety message also recently echoed in Northumberland.
Capsizing or falling overboard remain the two leading causes of death in boating incidents – and wearing a life jacket can mean the difference between life and death, said OPP, in a recent public appeal.
The 10 marine-related fatalities in Eastern Ontario alone so far this summer translate to more than double the number of drowning deaths at this time last year.
“In each incident in the region this summer, the victim has not been wearing a life jacket,” said OPP.
Earlier this month, following a rescue on the water after a boat overturned in Rice Lake, Northumberland OPP also called on residents to prioritize safety gear this summer. While in this incident, life jackets were used, the incident prompted a plea for residents to prioritize safety gear such as life jackets or personal flotation devices, seatbelts and helmets.
The lack of such equipment is linked to a significant number of deaths and serious injuries on OPP-patrolled roads, waterways and trails every year, Northumberland OPP told MBC, while also reporting the majority of 20 people who died in boating and paddling incidents on OPP-patrolled waterways in 2024 weren’t wearing life jackets.
Meanwhile, if you look at OPP data the last three full years – for 2022-24 – the number of people who’ve died in OPP-investigated marine incidents increases to 72, with 59 boaters and paddlers not wearing life jackets.
Emergency crews have often described life jackets as the most under-utilized piece of safety equipment year after year.
“This is about education and changing the mindset to ensure everyone wears the proper gear – whether in a power boat or in a canoe,” said OPP East Region Commander and Chief Superintendent Lisa Wilhelm. “This is about coming home safely and ensuring that everyone – adults and children – are safe on or near the water.”
Nearby, two suspected drownings were reported just last weekend in Prince Edward County.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
