As Ontario experiences a troubling rise in drownings across its lakes and rivers, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and experts are emphasizing the importance of safety precautions for aquatic activities. Constable David Hobson, an experienced marine officer in the Georgian Bay area, expressed his dismay over these largely preventable tragedies, stating, “These are generally totally preventable incidents… they’re just life-long incidents that affect families.”
In July, the OPP reported nearly a dozen drownings in eastern Ontario, nearly double the number of incidents from the same timeframe in 2024. The most recent drowning occurred at Stony Lake in Burleigh Falls, where a 24-year-old man from Caledon and a 26-year-old man from Brampton lost their lives. Another set of tragic incidents involved a 12-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy who drowned in Dryden and two separate instances of three-year-olds drowning at beaches in Long Sault and Sandbanks Provincial Park.
Georgian Bay, East Lake, and Wasaga Beach have all been locations of recent drownings, highlighting the urgent need for public education on water safety. Hobson noted that individuals can encounter peril “in a blink of an eye,” urging that life jackets are essential, yet many boaters often fail to wear them properly or keep them easily accessible. “How would you put one of those on if you’re in the water?” he questioned, emphasizing the critical nature of wearing them at all times.
CityNews followed Hobson on a patrol through Honey Harbour, where he interacted with boaters and praised a family for their proper use of life jackets. Rather than issuing citations, Hobson promotes safety through positive reinforcement. “It’s public education that’s far greater than handing out a ticket,” he stated.
Experts recommend investing in proper life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), emphasizing their life-saving potential. When choosing a life jacket, individuals should look for brightly colored jackets, check for Transport Canada approval, and ensure they meet age and weight guidelines. PFDs, while generally more comfortable, offer less flotation capacity and thermal protection, hence the necessity of life jackets for serious water activities.
Weather and water conditions can shift suddenly. Georgian Bay is particularly susceptible to intense storms, and Environment and Climate Change Canada provides weather alerts and marine forecasts to help individuals stay informed. CityNews meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai warns of the dangers of rip currents, advising those caught to swim parallel to the shore and not fight the current. The diversity of water temperatures across Ontario can also pose risks, making awareness vital for swimmers.
Emergency services are urging the public to take preventative measures seriously, with Patrick Hervieux of the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services emphasizing the need for supervision, especially of children. “Children should not be left unattended,” he stated, explaining that parents must remain attentive while their kids are in or near water.
The law regarding aquatic responsibility comes into play, as Rajiv Haté, a senior personal injury lawyer, indicated that many drowning incidents often involve victims not wearing flotation devices. He warned that supervision issues may arise, particularly concerning minors. “Did they fail to put on flotation devices?” he asked. If a child is involved, the question of negligent supervision arises, assessing if proper precautions were taken before the event.
Ultimately, when venturing out on water, individuals must communicate safety measures effectively, ensuring everyone is equipped and aware of the dangers present. Moving forward with heightened awareness and proper safety gear is essential in reducing drownings and enhancing the overall safety of Ontario's lakes and rivers.
