Policing committee wary of high-risk beaches
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The waters of Lake Erie off Long Point nearly claimed a drowning victim this week.
Norfolk OPP report a 32-year-old Norfolk woman went into distress in the lake near Long Point Provincial Park Wednesday afternoon.
With the assistance of an off-duty paramedic, she was rescued, resuscitated and rushed to hospital for treatment and observations. The incident was brought to the attention of authorities around 3 p.m.
“She’s conscious and alert,” Const. Ed Sanchuk, spokesperson for the Norfolk OPP, said shortly after the rescue. “This is a great reminder that – if you swim anywhere in Norfolk County – chances are good there will be a strong undertow.”
The hazards of swimming in Norfolk County were on the agenda of Norfolk’s Police Services Board last week.
The PSB endorsed a request from the Norfolk Community Policing Committee for the placement of signs in Port Dover, Long Point and Turkey Point stating that the lake, under certain conditions, represents a serious drowning hazard to those who don’t take precautions.
These precautions include wearing a flotation device when the lake is turbulent and swimming in groups with family and friends. Toddlers should never be allowed to enter the lake unsupervised, with Sanchuk adding it is always a bad idea to swim after consuming alcohol or other intoxicants.
“Be aware of your surroundings,” he said. “This area is well-known for its undertows.”
In a letter to the police board, the Norfolk Community Policing Committee cited statistics which say 6 per cent of all drownings in Ontario occurred in Norfolk County in 2013.
In 2013, Norfolk had the third highest rate of drowning in Ontario behind Kenora with 9 per cent and Toronto with 12 per cent.
Ontario led all Canadian provinces with 92 drownings in 2015. British Columbia was next with 67.
The Norfolk Community Policing Committee estimates signage at the high-risk beaches will cost about $3,000. The committee expects to complete the project by 2019.
“The signs should be right on the beach warning of undertows and to be careful to exercise caution,” Norfolk Mayor Charlie Luke told the PSB. “Based on these statistics it’s something we need to take a serious look at. It’s an important sign to get people to use their heads.”
MSonnenberg@postmedia.com