Drowning deaths on the rise, OPP say
The province's boating season has already claimed four lives this year, a drowning death toll that has surpassed last year's total by one, OPP say.
Between May to September last year, OPP responded to three drownings during the entire season.
As of June 5, OPP have investigated four fatal drownings, two in central Ontario and two in southwestern Ontario.
OPP Sgt. Dave Rektor is pointing a finger at people passing up on life jackets and other flotation devices.
"If they had life preservers on, they certainly would likely still be here … chances of rescue are a lot easier," said Rektor. "The bottom line is that you don't get any second chances when you go overboard."
In three of the incidents, the victims weren't wearing life jackets. The fourth drowning involved alcohol consumption.
All four incidents fell under an OPP high-risk category, with the victims between the ages of 18-25 years-old.
A recovery mission for a 22-year-old Australian man who went missing last Thursday after his canoe capsized in Georgian Bay is still ongoing. The man is presumed dead, and would raise the death toll to five.
OPP say water temperatures could range between three and 10 degrees Celcius throughout May and June, leading to hypothermia causing shock and ultimately death.
Cold water temperatures in and around the Great Lakes could affect even a professional swimmer who chooses not to wear a life jacket.
OPP continue to push for water safety, however, Rektor says the onus is on people venturing onto the water.
"We can't always be big brother," said Rektor. "We're continuing to do our job to tell the public, but you can't legislate common sense."