A recent incident on Mills Lake is a crucial reminder about the importance of wearing life jackets while on the water. On Sunday afternoon, October 20, officers from the Lanark County Detachment responded to a distress call involving a 28-year-old man and a two-year-old child who had fallen out of their canoe.
Neither the man nor the child were wearing life jackets when they capsized, but fortunately, they managed to swim to a nearby island. Strong winds had blown their canoe away, leaving them stranded.
The OPP officers quickly located the canoe on the shoreline and used it to bring the man and child back to safety. Both individuals were assessed by Lanark County Paramedics but thankfully did not require further medical attention.
This close call highlights the importance of wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) whenever on the water. The OPP emphasizes that wearing a life jacket can be the difference between life and death. “They can’t save your life if they float away,” said an OPP spokesperson.
As boating season continues, the OPP urges everyone to prioritize safety by wearing life jackets and being cautious on the water.
(Written by: Emma Butler)