A man died while sailing with his daughter in the Rockwood Conservation Area, according to provincial police.
An ambulance was called to the area on Saturday around 6:30 p.m.
Police say a 33-year-old Mississauga man and his seven-year-old daughter were pulled out of the water by passersby after the inflatable boat they were on capsized.
“Passers-by ran into him and then went into rescue mode,” said Congressman Joshua Cunningham of the Wellington County OPP. “We don’t know exactly who was even involved in the rescue, so we’re actually asking people who have been there and haven’t spoken to the police to contact us.”
A witness said he was canoeing with his family when he saw someone fighting in the water when he and several others in the park tried to help and bring the man ashore.
“We realized there was someone in trouble, so I jumped out of our canoe, swam, and then we tried to help,” said Greg Baker.
According to Baker, the day was busy on the beach, so many people tried to help as much as they could. However, the water was too deep to withstand, so people worked together to get everyone ashore.
Baker said the man appeared to have been in the water for some time.
“It was too deep there, so we really can’t do much, so he was definitely in the water for a while before I got there,” Baker said. “A lot of really heroic people jumped in there and tried to do their best.”
Police are still investigating the death, but are waiting for the court to confirm whether the man drowned.
“If both sides had life jackets, the situation would be different?” Well, it’s hard to say, “said Cunningham.” It’s certainly an option for the future, which we definitely recommend people wear life jackets when they’re on boats or in the water. “
The 33-year-old was taken to hospital and later pronounced dead, and the seven-year-old was treated on the spot.
GRCA says boat rentals are closed until the end of Saturday, but the rest of the protected area remains open.
With a report from Colton Wiens on CTV Kitchener
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