Kayaker’s drowning underscores importance of life jackets: OPP

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A London man who went missing while kayaking was not wearing a life jacket when his body was found, police say.

The body of the 57-year-old man was found near St. Joseph beach in Huron County – not far from Grand Bend – after a six-day search, Ontario Provincial Police officials said on Tuesday.

“The OPP would like to remind the public to ensure they take the necessary precautions when enjoying the waterways in Ontario. Please wear proper-fitting personal flotation devices when out on the water,” Huron County OPP Const. Craig Soldan wrote in an email to The Free Press.

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“Whether it be a paddle board, kayak, floatie, or any size vessel. Conditions can change on the lake and you need to make sure yourself and your loved ones have the right safety equipment to return safely.”

The name of the London man has not been made public.

Huron County OPP began the search after receiving calls at about 9:40 p.m. on July 3 about a kayak adrift in Lake Huron in the area of Sunview Drive, just north of Grand Bend. After the empty kayak was found, sparking the widespread search, residents in the area reported seeing a helicopter searching the lake and flares dropped into the water at night. 

Thorncrest Outfitters in Southampton, further north along Lake Huron, outfits kayakers and other boaters. Owner Janette Thorne says life vests are crucial for use on the water.

“We tell everyone to only paddle in water they’re prepared to swim in. It has to be the right temperature, you have to have the skill level and wear the right clothing,” Thorne said. “It can’t be too deep. There’s so much that goes into why terrible things happen.”

They also stress not to paddle alone, she said. “Always have a buddy.”

In another recent Lake Huron case, a man with hypothermia was found floating in Lake Huron off Goderich harbour, about five kilometres from shore, on June 15, police said. He had been operating a vessel and was wearing a life jacket “which saved his life,” police said.

ndebono@postmedia.com

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