Fatal boating incident on Big Clear in Arden

Jeff Green | Jul 07, 2023

On Wednesday July 5, 2023 at about 4:30 p.m. members of Frontenac Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Central Frontenac Fire Rescue responded to a marine incident on Big Clear Lake in Central Frontenac Township. Reports indicated that an individual on a Personal Watercraft (PWC) had been ejected from the vessel and was not wearing a lifejacket. The individual went beneath the water and did not resurface. Despite an exhaustive search, Police and Fire were unable to locate the individual in the water and suspended the search overnight to await the arrival of the OPP's Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU).

Shortly before 3:00 p.m. on July 6, 2023 the missing individual was located in the lake by members of the USRU. The 52 year old individual from Scarborough was pronounced deceased at the scene. An OPP collision reconstructionist and The Office of the Chief Coroner are assisting with the investigation, however no foul play is suspected.

Since the start of 2023, the OPP has investigated eight boating/paddling deaths throughout the province. Six of those deaths, are contributed to a person not properly wearing a PFD.

Always choose a Canadian approved lifejacket and wear it every time you are out on the water, regardless of whether you are an avid paddler or powerboat enthusiast.

Life jackets only save lives if you are wearing them!

For more information on PFD, visit the Canadian Coast Guard at https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/getting-started-safe-boating/choosing-lifejackets-personal-flotation-devices-pfds