OPP respond to 10 drownings in eastern Ontario so far this summer

Ontario Provincial Police logo and cruiser.

Ontario Provincial Police are urging everyone to wear a life jacket when out on the water, saying officers have responded to 10 drownings in eastern Ontario so far this summer.

“That’s more than double the number of drowning deaths at this time last year,” police said Tuesday. “In each incident in the region this summer, the victim has not been wearing a life jacket.”

This past weekend, the OPP reported two incidents on East Lake in Prince Edward County and one on the St. Lawrence River near Gananoque. Earlier this month, a one-year-old girl drowned in the St. Lawrence off Wolfe Island.

“This is about education and changing the mindset to ensure everyone wears the proper gear, whether in a power boat or in a canoe. This is about coming home safely and ensuring that everyone, adults and children, are safe on or near the water,” said Chief Superintendent Lisa Wilhelm, OPP East Region Commander, in a news release.

The OPP said Tuesday divers recovered the body of a Toronto Man from East Lake after he disappeared beneath the surface while on a canoe trip with friends on Sunday.

July 20 to 26 is National Drowning Prevention Week.

There have been two reported drownings in Ottawa so far this summer. A man drowned in the Ottawa River in July, and a teenager drowned in the Rideau River while swimming with friends in June.