A quick-acting Tweed resident is being credited with rescuing three youths after their canoe capsized on Stoco Lake.
Central Hastings OPP said on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at about 6:15 a.m., officers were called to help boaters in distress.
Police said it was discovered that a group of students from out of town were staying at a rental in the area and three individuals had gone out onto the lake in a canoe to watch the sunrise.
“They lost a paddle and then capsized trying to pick it up,” reported OPP, adding that the individuals weren’t wearing lifejackets.
“Thankfully, a local resident heard the calls for help, jumped into his pontoon boat and went out on the lake to rescue them. Everyone was brought to shore safely by the citizen,” said police.
OPP is thanking everyone who assisted in the rescue, saying swift action to call police and rescue these students may have saved their lives.
Last year on OPP-patrolled waterways, police noted that 17 out of 23 people who died in boating and paddling incidents weren’t wearing lifejackets.
Falling overboard and capsized vessels are the leading causes of OPP-investigated boating- and paddling-related fatalities every year, added police.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
