An 11-year-old child was missing for about two hours after departing the Innisfil shoreline in an inflatable kayak, and it set off a search by police on Lake Simcoe.
South Simcoe Police say they were called in around 3:15 Wednesday afternoon by their York Region counterparts seeking help locating the child.
The child had reportedly set out to paddle to Snake Island and return, but never made it back. Family members became concerned and alerted police, giving a description of the child, the kayak, and information about safety gear and his experience on the lake.
The South Simcoe Police Marine Unit (SSPMU), along with assisting marine teams and a drone, launched a coordinated search of the area.
Within five minutes of setting out on the water, officers with the SSPMU spotted the child about 1.5 kilometres offshore.
The child and kayak were brought safely aboard the police watercraft. Police say the 11-year-old was in good health but tired after battling strong currents and light winds.
The child was returned to shore and reunited with his family.
Police are reminding boaters and paddlers to always tell someone about their plans, carry proper safety equipment, and be aware that conditions on the water can change fast—turning a fun outing into a serious emergency in a matter of minutes.
