Distressed swimmer pulled from Balm Beach, airlifted to Toronto-area hospital

TINY TWP. — A man was airlifted to a Toronto-area hospital after being rescued from the waters of Georgian Bay at Balm Beach early Monday evening. 

According to Southern Georgian Bay OPP, the swimmer was a distance from shore when he began showing signs of distress around 5 p.m.

Witnesses noticed the man to be in trouble and attempted to help him.

Police say the man went beneath the water, however several people rushed to his aid and were able to rescue him, transporting him to shore on a paddle board. They then began CPR on the victim in an attempt to revive him.

Southern Georgian Bay OPP officers, Tiny Township firefighters and Simcoe County paramedics attended the scene and took over live-saving measures.

The 24-year-old Toronto man was transported to a local hospital and then flown by Ornge helicopter to a Toronto-area hospital.