A 38-year-old man has died after an incident involving a paddleboard on Lake Simcoe in Innisfil on Canada Day.
Officers were called at around 5:10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1st after receiving reports of a man believed to be in distress while paddleboarding near Mapleview Drive.
Police say weather conditions deteriorated rapidly at the time, with heavy rain and strong winds creating hazardous conditions on the lake. There was concern the man had become stranded and was unable to return safely to shore.
At approximately 5:35 p.m., members of the South Simcoe Police Marine Unit, assisted by the York Regional Police Marine Unit, launched a search of the area. During the search, officers located the paddleboard and expanded their efforts from that location. The York Regional Police helicopter also assisted in the search.
At approximately 8:00 p.m., the York Regional Police helicopter located the body of the 38-year-old man in the water.
Investigators later determined the man was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. Police say the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death remains ongoing.
The identity of the deceased has not been released out of respect for the family’s privacy.
South Simcoe Police extended their condolences to the man’s family, friends and loved ones following what they described as a tragic outcome.
