Police are reminding boaters and paddlers about the dangers of cold-water exposure following the rescue of a canoeist in Goderich Harbour over the weekend. Emergency crews were called at about 11:26 a.m. after a citizen reported seeing a person in distress in the water near the Goderich salt mine. According to police, two people in a nearby inflatable dinghy came to the aid of the lone canoeist and pulled the individual from the water. The 66-year-old paddler had been in the water for approximately 20 minutes before being rescued. The person was treated at the scene by paramedics and then transported to hospital suffering from hypothermia. Police said the person is expected to make a full recovery. The incident has prompted police to remind recreational water users that cold-water conditions can pose a serious risk, even during the fall boating season. Before heading out on the water, the OPP advises people to check weather forecasts, wind conditions, currents and water temperatures, and to ensure they are properly prepared for changing conditions. Police also encourage outdoor enthusiasts to travel in groups whenever possible, noting that having others nearby can improve safety and response times in the event of an emergency.
