A 26-year-old man who died following a canoeing accident at Crowley Lake in Sudbury was not wearing a lifejacket when first responders found him, police confirmed.
The canoe, carrying three people, capsized on Aug. 13 at Kivi Park. Two people were rescued by kayakers, while the 26-year-old was found dead the following day.
Local canoe outfitters say water safety remains a key concern. Gordon Baker, a senior manager with Algonquin Outfitters, said the company does not rent canoes during poor weather and provides customers with basic safety instructions before they head onto the water, including the importance of wearing a lifejacket.
However, Baker noted that once customers are on the lake, outfitters have limited control over their decisions and actions.
He said help is often available from nearby cottagers or other boaters, while the company also has a safety boat that can respond when assistance is needed.
Because recreational boating carries inherent risks, outfitters also require customers to sign liability waivers before heading out.