With warmer temperatures many people will take in the lakes and waterways of the Niagara Region. Police say on Sunday June 12, 2016, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) uniform officers and members of the Marine Unit responded to two separate water rescue incidents on Lake Erie.
At approximately 2:50PM the NRPS was notified by the Rescue Control Centre in Trenton of a capsized catamaran in the area of Elcho Beach / Sherkston Shores. The information was that four people were thrown into the water after the boat attempted a turn in high winds and waves. The catamaran was believed to be approximately 1 km off shore.
6 District Port Colborne uniform officers, the NRPS Marine Unit and the Port Colborne Marine Auxiliary Rescue POCOMAR were dispatched to attend. Good Samaritans operating their personal water crafts (AKA Jet Ski) came to the aid of the boaters in the water. All four people were brought to shore and assessed by Niagara Emergency Medical Services Paramedics. One of the boaters was transported to a local hospital for treatment of possible hypothermia.
At approximately 3:15PM the NRPS was contacted regarding a male and child on a water tube possibly in need of assistance in the area of Bay Beach on Erie Rd in Fort Erie. Bystanders observed an approximately 6 year old child playing near the shore wearing a life jacket on a water tube. The child began to be blown away from shore by the wind and wave conditions. The child’s father swam out to the child, but they were not able to return to shore. They were approximately 150m off shore.
5 District Fort Erie uniform officers, the NRPS Marine Unit, the Fort Erie Fire Services, and the Port Colborne Marine Auxiliary Rescue POCOMAR were dispatched to attend. The Fort Erie Fire rescue boat was able to reach the father and child and bring them to safety.
The child and father were assessed by Niagara Emergency Medical Services Paramedics. They were both transported to a local hospital for treatment of possible hypothermia.
The NRPS would like to remind the public that weather and water conditions can change quickly. The water temperature in Lake Erie is 16oC (60oF). Hypothermia is a real concern due to prolonged exposure in lower water temperature. The proper use of lifejackets can save your life.
Further information about water and boating safety can be found at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm
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