Authorities believe the 38-year-old man had been paddleboarding without a life jacket on Wednesday when severe weather conditions hit Lake Simcoe, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
South Simcoe police have confirmed that a 38-year-old paddleboarder’s body was recovered after a thorough search operation in Lake Simcoe today.
At around 5:10 p. m. on July 1, police received an alert about a man in trouble just off the Innisfil shoreline at Mapleview Drive East. It’s thought he had been out paddleboarding when the weather suddenly worsened, creating dangerous conditions on the water.
Shortly after 5:35 p. m., members of the South Simcoe Police Service Marine Unit, with support from the York Regional Police Marine Unit, initiated an “extensive search” of the area. During this effort, they found the paddleboard, which led them to widen their search from that spot.
By approximately 8 p. m., a York police helicopter discovered the body of a 38-year-old man in the water.
“As the investigation progressed, officers determined the man was not wearing a life-jacket at the time of the incident,” South Simcoe police said.
“The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing. This is a tragic outcome, and the South Simcoe Police Service extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.”
The name of the deceased will not be disclosed out of respect for his family’s privacy, according to police officials.
Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services Chief Brent Thomas mentioned that emergency crews have been active on Lake Simcoe today.
“We are on the water attempting rescues,” he said. “Several have already been rescued.”
He advises locals to check weather forecasts before going onto any waterway.
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