NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
*************************
Officers with the York Regional Police Marine Unit rescued a windsurfer who had gone missing in Lake Simcoe.
On Friday, June 12, 2020, shortly before 3 p.m., the Marine Unit were dispatched to Lake Simcoe in the area of Willow Beach for a report of a windsurfer who had gone missing. The 68-year-old man from the Town of Georgina, had gone out onto the lake with a friend approximately 25 minutes earlier. When he did not return to shore as planned his friend became concerned and called police.
The windsurfer was spotted floating in the water directly north of the Kennedy wharf. Marine Unit officers rescued the man from the water. It was determined that he had been in the water for over an hour and the cold water had compromised his dry suit. As a result, the man was in life-threatening condition. He was transported to shore where York Region Paramedics were waiting and transported him to hospital. His condition was stabilized and he will survive.
“If it wasn’t for the quick actions of the members from our Marine Unit, who were able to quickly respond in the waters of Lake Simcoe, this incident could have had a tragic ending,” said Chief of Police Jim MacSween. “I want to thank our officers for their hard work and professionalism, as well as the York Region Paramedics who coordinated efforts to make sure that the rescued man was taken to hospital to receive the life-saving treatment he needed.”
Officers with the Marine Unit would like to remind residents that the water in Lake Simcoe is still cold and prolonged exposure can result in hypothermic conditions. Weather conditions can also change quickly resulting in high winds and large wave conditions. Be sure to have all required safety equipment and tell a friend or family member where you are going, so that if you do not return on time they can call for help.
For more information and safety tips, contact the York Regional Police Marine Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7321.
*************************
