Grim start to National Drowning Prevention Week

National Drowning Prevention Week gets off to a fatal start after a 63-year-old Markham man fell into Lake Muskoka and never came back up.

It was another busy day at area beaches Monday as thousands of people flock to local water spots to beat the summer heat.

However, it was a sad start to National Drowning Prevention Week after a 63-year-old man from Markham drowned after falling into Lake Muskoka near Walker’s Point in Muskoka Lakes Saturday.

• Man, 63, dies after drowning in Lake Muskoka: OPP

Police say the man’s body was recovered by its Underwater Search and Recovery Unit. Police are not saying much more at this point as the investigation continues, but OPP says so far this year 100 per cent of drowning victims in Ontario have been men over the age of 25.

“Drownings can happen in mere moments and they are often silent,” says Stephanie Bakalar from Lifesaving Society Ontario.

The organization says statistically more than 90 per cent of drownings involving boaters are by people not wearing a life jacket.

“We need you to be actively supervising children and even the other adults you are with you always want to swim with someone else. Most drownings are occurring when people are alone,” says Bakalar.

People at Centennial Beach in Barrie say they know the risk and don’t take any chances themselves and especially with their young kids. Local lifeguards are pleading with people of all ages to make sure they are reducing unnecessary risks near the water.

“We really like to encourage parents to stay and remain within arms reach for all children and adults, especially if they are not comfortable on or near the water,” says Madi Campbell, City of Barrie lifeguard supervisor.