As paddling season ramps up across southwestern Ontario ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend, outfitters and police are reminding people that cold water and changing conditions can quickly turn dangerous — even on warm spring days. The warning comes as OPP report more than 100 people in kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards were among the 249 marine deaths investigated by OPP between 2016 and 2025. Police said 205 of those victims — or 83 per cent — were not properly wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device at the time of the incident. The renewed safety messaging follows a recent tragedy near Long Point on Lake Erie, where a 53-year-old man and his seven-year-old son died after emergency crews were called Monday afternoon for overdue boaters. OPP said both victims were wearing lifejackets. “It really comes down to the fact that if you are going to venture on the water, make sure that you do have warm clothing, make sure you have a plan in place,” Sgt. Ed Sanchuk of West Region OPP said earlier this week. “I was speaking to some of the first responders, one of the paramedics last night and early this morning, and they know who this young boy is. And again, it affects everyone.” At River Canard Outpost in Essex County, Ron Lapointe said experienced paddlers often arrive prepared with proper equipment and an understanding of water safety. “You can usually tell prepared paddlers, they’ve done it before, so they know what to expect,” Lapointe said. “They’ve got all the correct gear, the correct equipment.” Lapointe said newcomers to canoeing and kayaking often need instruction before heading onto the water. “We have to make sure we give them some instruction on operating the watercraft, safety, what to do if they fall in, and of course life vests,” he said. While Lapointe describes River Canard as a gentle and beginner-friendly waterway, he said cold water remains a concern throughout the spring. “We do open April 1, but we get what’s called a cold water warning until about the end of May,” he said. “If you do fall in, like this particular river, it’s to get to the shore as quick as possible.” Near Point Pelee National Park, Pelee Wings Outfitters is not yet offering rentals for the Marsh Boardwalk because of ongoing cold water concerns, instead waiting for the water to warm up. Staff also note they won’t be offering rentals onto Lake Erie due to its unpredictable conditions. Store manager Eric Briggs said many people focus on air temperature while underestimating the dangers posed by cold water. “The water might not be cold enough for hypothermia, but it can definitely cause a bit of a shock — gasp reflex — and that’s what will get people in trouble,” Briggs said. Briggs said smaller inland waterways and marshes tend to warm more quickly than larger bodies of water like Lake Erie, where waves and weather conditions can change rapidly. “You’re never going to have three to four-foot waves on Point Pelee’s marsh,” he said. “Whereas Lake Erie, that’s not too uncommon.” The OPP said capsized vessels and people falling overboard were the leading causes in the majority of marine fatalities investigated over the last decade. Police are reminding boaters and paddlers to wear lifejackets, check weather conditions before heading out, avoid alcohol or drugs on the water, and prepare for cold water conditions.
