‘People do ice diving, but as you can imagine, the risk certainly increases,’ says Oro-Medonte fire chief after close call south of Orillia
A man was taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition after being rescued from the frigid waters of Lake Simcoe near Shanty Bay on Sunday afternoon.
Oro-Medonte Fire and Emergency Services, along with Simcoe County Paramedics, responded to Line 2 and Bay Street – about 15 minutes northeast of Barrie – just before 1:30 p. m. following a report about a diver who had been pulled from the water with vital signs absent (VSA), Oro-Medonte Fire Chief Roree Payment said.
“Fellow divers had removed the individual from the water. At some point, the person was confirmed to have vital signs,” he stated, adding it was unclear whether those present had misjudged the situation or managed to restore a pulse before emergency teams arrived.
The man – whose age remains unknown – received treatment from paramedics, was moved off the ice by firefighters approximately 400 metres from shore, and transported by ambulance to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie.
Payment mentioned that the man, described as an experienced diver, stayed in serious but stable condition.
“People do ice diving, but as you can imagine, the risk certainly increases,” he noted. “When engaging in activities with higher risks during wintertime, it’s essential to understand your surroundings and know how to reach for help if needed.”
Nine firefighters responded, with additional members from Station Two in East Oro launching the department’s airboat at Line 9 to access the area. Crews remained on site for just over an hour, he added.
Payment pointed out that while firefighters are trained for ice-water rescues, Sunday’s incident occurred solely on top of the ice. If the diver had been trapped under it, then OPP dive team would have been called in for assistance.
He also commended the divers who acted swiftly.
“It’s just a great job being able to stay calm and collected and perform the emergency operations that were required,” Payment said.
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