Body found after report of paddleboarder ‘in distress’ on Lake Simcoe

A man was found dead in the waters of Lake Simcoe on Wednesday after a report of a paddleboarder “in distress.”

South Simcoe Police said that at around 5:10 p.m., officers received a report about a male who had been on a paddleboard and “was believed to be in distress” on the lake near Mapleview Drive in Innisfil.

“At the time of the incident, weather conditions had deteriorated rapidly, with heavy rain and strong winds creating hazardous conditions on the water,” police said.

“There was concern that the male had become stranded and was unable to safely return to shore.”

At around 5:35 p.m., members of the South Simcoe Police and the York Regional Police marine units launched a search of the area.

A paddleboard was found, “prompting officers to expand their search efforts from that location,” police said.

York police’s helicopter assisted and at around 8 p.m., it located the body of a 38-year-old man in the water.

“As the investigation progressed, officers determined that the male was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing,” police said.

“This is a tragic outcome, and the South Simcoe Police Service extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time,” officers said.