Police remind boaters to wear lifejackets after deadly canoe accident

Two men perished in Kawartha Lakes when they fell from their canoe. A third man managed to make it to shore. None of the men were wearing PFDs.

With waterways becoming increasingly busy in the warmer months, police continue to encourage everyone heading out on the lakes regardless of their swimming ability to wear a fitted lifejacket.

This reminder comes after a deadly boating accident on Sturgeon Lake that claimed the lives of two men over the weekend.

“A lifejacket could save your life. It’s not going to do any good if you’re not wearing it. Even the strongest swimmers can be caught off guard in cold water and quickly find themselves in a life-threatening situation especially with the cold temperatures we’re seeing this spring,” said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt.

So far this year, OPP say they have investigated six marine-related fatalities involving powerboats, canoes, and kayaks. In each case, the victims were not wearing lifejackets at the time they fell overboard or when their vessels capsized.

Kawartha Lakes fatalities

Emergency responders were called to Kawartha Lakes shortly after 3 p.m. Sunday for reports that a canoe carrying three men had capsized. According to a statement from the OPP’s Kawartha Lakes Detachment, one of the individuals was able to make it to shore, but the two others were unable to stay afloat after the canoe had tipped and later succumbed to their injuries.

• 2 killed in Kawartha Lakes boating accident: OPP

Police confirmed that no one in the canoe was wearing a lifejacket and that none were found on board.

Police continue to stress that lifejackets should not be stored away or used as seat cushions they must be worn to be effective, they can save a life.