The Barrie Police Service Marine Unit carried out its first water rescue of the season after a woman on a paddleboard became stranded on Kempenfelt Bay.
Police say officers were called Sunday, May 3rd, after reports of a woman in distress near Minet’s Point Park. Officers spotted the woman in the middle of the bay being pulled farther from shore by strong currents and repeatedly falling into the cold water.
A witness told police the woman appeared to have been struggling while trying to kite surf for more than two hours.
Marine officers were able to reach the 28-year-old visitor from Nova Scotia and safely return her to shore.
Police say the woman was not injured, although exhausted, and declined medical attention after receiving a safety talk from officers. They are reminding residents and visitors to check weather and water conditions before heading out on the water and to avoid going out alone.
