Swimmer dies after being pulled from the Elora Quarry

The GRCA is warning visitors to stay safe after a swimmer died at the Elora Quarry.

The Elora Quarry was closed Wednesday after the death of a swimmer.

First responders were called to the popular swimming spot around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday for a man in distress.

Ontario Provincial Police said the 24-year-old was pulled from the water and transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

On Wednesday morning, closed signs had been set up at the quarry’s entrances. Officials said all reservations were being refunded.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) would not comment on the death, but urged all visitors to prioritize safety.

“Specifically at Elora Quarry Conservation Area, jumping, diving or climbing is not permitted from the cliffs for safety reasons,” they said in an email to CTV News. “Visitors must stay behind the barriers, or risk eviction from the conservation area. All Grand River Conservation Area beaches are not patrolled. The GRCA advises caregivers to always keep a close watch on children or people under their care.”

Weather and water conditions, they added, can shift within minutes.

“In general, the GRCA reminds people that river flows can change quickly and without warning. We advise people to never swim near dams or other water structures where there can be undertows and extreme currents, and to obey all warning signage.”

OPP continue to investigate the circumstances around the man’s death.

Water safety

The Lifesaving Society of Ontario also stressed the unpredictability of waterways.

“Most drownings in Ontario happen in natural bodies of water,” said Stephanie Bakalar, a Lifesaving Society spokesperson. “Water levels can change. There can be things like rocks dropping off sand banks, all kinds of things that you might not notice at first that you can’t see from the shore.”

Since places like the Elora Quarry are not patrolled, water safety advocates said swimmers need to be extra cautious.

“If you do choose to swim somewhere where there are not lifeguards, take some safety precautions, wear a life jacket, make sure you’re not swimming alone. You always want to be with others,” Bakalar said.

OPP was not able to confirm if the man who died was wearing a lifejacket or not.

- With reporting by Heather Senoran