Tragedy was averted today on Georgian Bay when fire crews were able to rescue two people who went into the icy water.
It happened early this morning near Waubaushene, and the incident has prompted a stern warning.
Two hunters ended up about three hundred metres from shore.
“At about 820 this morning we got a call for a canoe that was in the water as the calls came in it turned out that it was two duck hunters that capsized their canoe,” says Tay Township Fire Chief Brian Thomas.
Someone spotted the two hunters and their dog in the water and called 911. One of the men was in the water for nearly 15 minutes. the other for more than an hour. Both were taken to hospital to be treated for hypothermia. The dog was fine and was taken in by the OSPCA.
“Between the ice-cold water and the winds it’s very rough,” says OPP Const. David Hobson. “We don’t recommend anyone being on the water at this time of year.”
The two men were wearing life jackets and had actually made it across a thin piece of ice to open water where their canoe capsized. None of the fire fighters was injured while saving the two men but police say ice rescues are particularly hazardous and it’s not fair to put first responders at risk.
“It’s fraught with danger and we urge people to stay off the ice at this time of year,” Hobson says. “Remember no ice is safe ice.”
While the two hunters rescued this morning won’t face any charges, some municipalities will send a bill to anyone who ventures onto unsafe ice and needs to be rescued.
