A 38-year-old man died after encountering severe weather while paddleboarding on Lake Simcoe during Canada Day.
According to South Simcoe Police, emergency crews were called shortly after 5 p.m. following reports of a paddleboarder in distress near Innisfil. Rapidly worsening weather, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, is believed to have left the man stranded and unable to make it back to shore safely.
A coordinated search involving the South Simcoe Police Marine Unit, York Regional Police Marine Unit, and a York Regional Police helicopter led to the discovery of the man’s paddleboard. Around 8 p.m., his body was recovered from the lake and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released the victim’s identity. The investigation remains ongoing, and police noted that the man was not wearing a life jacket when the incident occurred.