A quick-acting local resident rescued three young people from Stoco Lake early Tuesday morning after their canoe capsized.
Central Hastings OPP were called to the scene around 6:15 a.m. on June 17 to help the boaters in distress.
Police say the trio — students from out of town staying at a rental property — had ventured onto the lake in a canoe to watch the sunrise. They lost a paddle and capsized while attempting to retrieve it. One of the three was not wearing a lifejacket.
A nearby resident heard their calls for help and responded immediately, launching his pontoon boat to bring all three to shore safely.
Police say the outcome could have been much worse without the residents fast response.
According to the OPP, 17 of the 23 people who died in boating or paddling incidents on OPP-patrolled waterways last year were not wearing a lifejacket. Falling overboard and capsized vessels remain the leading causes of boating-related fatalities.
Police are reminding the public that lifejackets save lives and are urging boaters to always wear them.
Officials thanked everyone who helped in the rescue and said the coordinated efforts may have saved lives.
