Enjoy your outdoor activities, but always think safety first, say OPP

(HURON COUNTY, ON) - With the arrival of above-average temperatures and sunny skies this past weekend, many Huron County residents and visitors found their way outdoors and engaged in some of their favourite activities. 

The OPP encourages everyone to enjoy the great outdoors, but doing it in a safe and responsible manner, can mean the difference between a great day spent outdoors or a day marred by injury or death. 

The Huron County OPP reminds the public to ALWAYS THINK SAFETY FIRST, following a weekend that turned deadly on Huron's waterways and roadways.
 
Two canoeing incidents occurred over the weekend. 
 
The first incident happened Friday evening when a 23-year-old Cambridge man lost his life while canoeing down the Nine Mile River. His canoe overturned when it struck a deadfall and he ultimately drowned. The man was not wearing a life jacket or a personal flotation device (PFD).
 
The second canoeing incident occurred Saturday evening on the Maitland River. Two intoxicated men in their early 20s were paddling down the fast-flowing river when they also hit a deadfall in the water and their canoe overturned. Fortunately, the men were wearing PFDs and they stayed afloat in the water. 

They spent about an hour in the cold water before they made it to shore. Their screams for help were heard by a resident who lives on Maitland Block Road, and a 9-1-1 call was made. The canoers were eventually located and successfully rescued around 7:30 p.m. Both were completely underdressed and unprepared for the water conditions. They were transported to hospital and were treated for hypothermia. 
 
Cold water is dangerous and it is especially important to wear a PFD during cold-water seasons - it can make an unexpected mishap survivable. Make sure you are well-dressed and consider taking a few extra warming items on board.

Hypothermia is a particularly-significant risk right now. Boaters and those working and playing near the water, need to remember - the colder the water, the less rescue time there is! Before heading out, it is essential to do a thorough check of your vessel to ensure you have all your required and recommended safety equipment.   
 
A pair of incidents involving All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) also occurred in Huron County over the weekend. Both involved operators who failed to think safety first.

Sunday, April 9, shortly before 5 p.m., police learned of a collision involving a side-by-side utility vehicle (UTV). Officers learned the driver was travelling along the shoulder of Maitland Block Road when the rear cargo bucket released and three young passengers fell out onto the ground. The three young ladies, all in their early 20s, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Neither the driver, nor his four passengers was wearing a helmet.      
 
Just over an hour later, on Hern Line in South Huron, officers responded to a call of an overturned ATV down in a deep ditch. Upon arrival, police located a 42-year-old man who had sustained minor injuries. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, but he had been drinking alcohol. 
 
"Unfortunately, we still see too many young people engaging in risky and dangerous behaviour, says inspector Jason Younan, detachment commander, Huron OPP. "Whether it is failing to wear the required safety equipment or making the decision to operate a vehicle or vessel after consuming alcohol, these are risks that are unnecessary. The events of this past weekend should be a reminder to everyone that sometimes unnecessary risks can lead to life-changing or fatal events. Please adopt a safety-conscious mindset and always think about your safety first." 
 
Follow the link below to learn more about Marine Safety:
 
PFD or Lifejacket?  
What is Cold Water Immersion?
 
Follow the links below to learn more about Off-Road Vehicle Safety:

ATVs and Alcohol - Is It Really Worth It?
Getting Started - Tips for Young ATV Riders
Keep it Legal - Keep it Safe!
Handling Your ATV Safely