Emergency workers were called to help two people after an inflatable dingy took on water and capsized in the Owen Sound Harbour of Georgian Bay.
Yesterday about 7pm, Grey County Ontario Provincial Police along with Owen Sound Police Service, Owen Sound Fire Department and Grey County Paramedic Services responded to a 911 call.
The victims, a 28-year-old male from Arran-Elderslie and a 31-year-old female from Tillsonburg, were wearing life jackets. They were able to make it to the harbour wall with the assistance of a Good Samaritan who tossed a rope to the pair.
The Owen Sound Fire Department used their rescue vessel to retrieve the victims who had limited swimming abilities. They were transported via ambulance to hospital after suffering from hypothermia. Despite the 30 C outdoor temperature, the water is still very cold this time of year.
Police say the incident had a positive outcome but it may have had a much different outcome had the pair not been wearing life-jackets. This incident should serve as a reminder to always wear a life-jacket when out in open water.
Boating fatalities on OPP-patrolled waterways reached an eight-year high in 2017, as 31 people died last year compared to 23 deaths in 2016.
Police reminder boaters to:
Wear a personal floatation device or lifejacket Don't operate any watercraft while impaired Obtain relevant licencing Ensure you have all the required safety equipment Ensure your watercraft is water ready Be wary of the dangers of cold water immersion (especially this time of year)
For more information about how to remain safe on the water visit the Canadian Safe Boating Council.
