Two females retrieved from Lake Erie following their drifting off from Turkey Point area.
Women in Distress on Lake Erie Rescued by OPP
Two friends from Brampton learned a hard lesson about water safety the hard way when they floated out to sea on their floaties and couldn't swim back to shore. The incident happened in Lake Erie's waters off the shoreline of Turkey Point, and they were fortunate enough to be rescued by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) marine units in the afternoon of Saturday.
At around 1:40 p.m., the Norfolk County OPP responded to a distress call from a Good Samaritan. The call informed them that two individuals were in trouble, approximately one mile away from the shoreline of Turkey Point. As per Sgt. Ed Sanchuk, both a 20-year-old woman and a 26-year-old woman were found in the water by the OPP and were brought aboard their police vessel.
"They didn't have any injuries, but they were pretty damn cold," Sanchuk said in a video posted online. "Luckily, we were able to rescue them and bring them back to the shoreline."
According to Sanchuk, neither of the women was wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket, which could have added an extra layer of protection in the situation.
The OPP is currently reminding the public of the importance of wearing PFDs or life jackets when participating in any water activities. Safety should always come first, especially when we're dealing with some unpredictable waters like Lake Erie.
As we dive deeper into the topic of water safety, it's important to note that Lake Erie isn't always the safest place to swim, especially without proper precautions. While the authors of this piece didn't find information specific to the use of PFDs in Lake Erie, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind.
For instance, let's talk about water quality advisories. The Ohio Department of Health often issues advisories for Lake Erie beaches using a flag system. A yellow flag suggests a potential bacterial contamination, making it not recommended for vulnerable people like children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. An orange flag indicates algal blooms or toxins, and swimming is not recommended for certain groups. Finally, a red flag means elevated toxin levels, and all water contact should be avoided entirely.
Another crucial concern is harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Erie. These blooms can release dangerous toxins and typically occur from July to October. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides forecasts for HABs, which can be helpful in planning swimming schedules that minimize the risk of exposure.
Additionally, it's essential to understand the Lake Erie's geography and currents when going for a swim. Knowing what's beneath and around you can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Plus, staying updated on local advisories and seasons changes is a smart way to stay informed and secure a safe outing.
When it comes to wearing PFDs, while specific guidelines for Lake Erie may not be readily available, using them is generally recommended for water activities, especially for inexperienced swimmers or those venturing in unfamiliar waters. PFDs provide additional safety and support in case of emergencies.
In the end, being safe and smart is the best way to enjoy some quality time by the water. So, pack your PFD and be aware of the environment around you. Happy (and safe!) swimming!
A news report about a rescue off the shoreline of Turkey Point in Lake Erie highlights the importance of wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs) during water activities. In the incident, two women were rescued by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) but were not wearing PFDs. To ensure safety and enjoy a worry-free swim, the OPP advises the public to wear PFDs, especially in unpredictable waters like Lake Erie where harmful algal blooms (HABs) can occur and water quality advisories are in place.
