An 11-year-old child was safely rescued after drifting approximately 1.5 kilometres from shore in an inflatable kayak on Lake Simcoe Wednesday afternoon.
South Simcoe Police say officers were asked by York Regional Police to assist in the search at aound 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24th after the child had been missing for about two hours. According to police, the child had left the Innisfil shoreline in an inflatable kayak with plans to paddle to Snake Island and return. When the child did not come back as expected, concerned family members contacted police and provided a detailed description of the child, the kayak, and the safety equipment on board.
The South Simcoe Police Marine Unit, along with multiple assisting marine units and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (drone), launched a coordinated search of the area. Officers aboard Marine 1 located the child approximately 1.5 kilometres from shore within five minutes of entering the water.
Police said the child and kayak were brought safely aboard the police vessel. While the child was in good health, officers noted they were experiencing fatigue after contending with strong currents and mild winds. The child was returned to shore and reunited with family.
South Simcoe Police are reminding boaters to ensure they have the proper safety equipment for their vessel and to share their travel plans and expected return time with someone before heading onto the water. Police also recommend carrying a reliable means of communication, such as a cellphone or GPS device, and suggest using location tools like the What3Words app to help first responders quickly locate people during emergencies.
Police said changing conditions on the water can quickly create dangerous situations, adding that the coordinated response by South Simcoe Police and assisting agencies played a critical role in ensuring the child was brought home safely.
