NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE SERVICE
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A man was rescued from Lake Simcoe thanks to the heroic actions of the South Simcoe Police Service Marine Unit, our emergency services partners and a number of engaged citizens.
On Sunday, July 12, 2020, around 7:30 p.m., South Simcoe Police Service, Innisfil Fire and Rescue and Simcoe County Paramedics responded to a 911 call from witnesses regarding a person in crisis in Lake Simcoe.
An officer and two firefighters boarded a boat belonging to a civilian who offered assistance and they went to the area where the man was in the water. The man did not respond to offers of help and continued to swim further away from shore.
Marine 1 arrived on scene and the officer and firefighters boarded the police vessel. One Marine Unit officer safely operated the police vessel to stay close to the man. The other Marine Unit officer took over communication with the man, building a strong rapport over time.
The officer eventually 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.
Approximately one hour after the Marine Unit had arrived on scene, the situation was resolved and the man was brought to safety aboard Marine 1 where he was apprehended under the Mental Health Act. He was transported to shore where he was examined by paramedics and cleared medically.
We would like to recognize the actions of everyone involved in saving a life last night: the initial first responders, the citizens who stepped up in a crisis, the actions of the officer who went above and beyond the call of duty and the officer who safely operated the police vessel to stay close to the man while negotiations were underway.
This is truly a case of everyone coming together to make a difference and thankfully ended with a man’s life being saved.
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