Rough waters on Lake Simcoe made for a busy weekend for police.
Several boaters had to be rescued after the wind picked up, creating waves around three feet high, said Barrie OPP Const. George Silvestri.
“We had two teenagers out on an inflatable dingy and they got blown off shore,” he said.
“We actually did quite a few (rescues) on the water this weekend.”
Silvestri said strong winds wreaked havoc on small boats, especially kayaks and canoes.
Waves could be seen from shore and boaters should have checked weather reports before leaving, he said.
“If you see a bit of chop in the water or if the weather is calling for wind, you shouldn’t be out there with a smaller craft. It doesn’t take much to blow you out and you can’t paddle against it.”
South Simcoe Police responded to five rescue calls Sunday afternoon. One involved a 34-year-old man and his three-year-old daughter who drifted off in a kayak. The pair went out at 10:30 a.m. but didn’t return. Police started searching at 5:30 p.m. using the Coast Guard helicopter and Sea Doos to look along the shore.
“We always take overdue boaters very seriously,” said Staff Sgt. Steve Wilson. “It is very concerning when you have a three-year-old child missing.”
They were found an hour later on the east side of the lake near Keswick. Other than being cold and physically exhausted, both were safe. Police escorted them back to the Little Cedar Point area, where they started their trip.
A Toronto man died Saturday after he was found in the water at Wasaga Beach. He had gone out in a dinghy around 4:30 p.m. and drifted out into deep water. He didn’t know how to swim but was found in the water, apparently after jumping in. He was taken to Collingwood General and Marine Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police say proper boating equipment needs to be on board all boats, even small ones. Bring along a life jacket for each person, buoyant line, a bailing bucket, whistle and a flashlight. During an emergency, police can be reached by calling 911 on a cell phone and the Coast Guard can be reached by dialing *16.
