Burlington man dead after falling off paddle board, drowning in Lake Huron: OPP

By

Published July 14, 2021 at 1:14 pm

oppstock

A man from Burlington is dead following a drowning incident in a Lake Huron beach community on Monday (July 12).

OPP from the South Bruce detachment, alongside Saugeen Shores police and emergency services were called to Port Elgin Main Beach at just before noon on Monday to reports of a possible drowning.

According to an OPP news release, witnesses on the beach reported that a paddleboarder had fallen off his board in deep water beyond a marked swimming area and appeared to be struggling.

“Upon hearing calls for help some civilians immediately took action and were able to pull the victim back onto shore where life-saving measures were performed,” the release said.

The man, according to OPP, was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The deceased is a 38-year-old from Burlington, the release confirmed, though his identity is being withheld at the request of the family.

“South Bruce OPP would like to commend the public for their assistance [on Monday],” the release said.

“Additionally, please be advised Lifejackets/Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are required safety equipment for anyone using a paddleboard.”

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising