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NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE SERVICE
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The South Simcoe Police Service Marine Unit has wrapped up a busy boating season that saw an increase in calls for service.
Marine One was dispatched to 114 calls this season including 24 search and rescue operations. In one rescue call, nine people were pulled to safety after their boat sank.
The group was in the water for over an hour. The operator had called 911 on his cell phone but had difficulty explaining where he was. Thankfully everyone was wearing life jackets.
Another call involved the rescue of a person in crisis. One Marine Unit officer entered Lake Simcoe and swam with the man, continuing to earn his trust until he accepted help and agreed to join the officer on the police boat.
Marine Unit by numbers 2020:
- 114 calls for service (73 in 2019)
- 24 search and rescue operations
- 10 people rescued in two separate calls
- Two people tragically drowned by misadventure in unrelated calls and were recovered, bringing closure to their families
South Simcoe Police Service would like to thank the Marine Units of our policing partners at York Regional Police, Barrie Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and Rama Fire and Rescue Services for their support and assistance.
We urge citizens to use extra caution and common sense when near and on our waterways.
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