Toronto Police Service Marine Unit

🚨Public Safety Advisory – Cold Water & Early Season Boating Awareness 🛟. Last night, the Toronto Police Marine Unit responded within minutes to a 911 call for a person in distress in deep water south of Cherry Beach.

A lone individual was in a small inflatable (pool) dinghy that began to deflate and rapidly take on water. The vessel was not equipped with required safety equipment, including a lifejacket, paddles, or even a means of communication. A member of the public heard the distress and immediately called 911.

Marine Unit officers quickly located the individual and pulled the him from the water before tragedy. The individual showed signs of cold water shock but was brought aboard safely. No injuries were reported.

Following the rescue, the individual was educated on safety equipment requirements under the Canada Shipping Act and enforcement action was taken.

As boating season begins, this incident is a reminder—supported by Transport Canada Office of Safe Boating and Canadian Safe Boating Council—that Lake Ontario remains dangerously cold even as air temperatures rise.

In Canada, required safety equipment depends on vessel type and length. It must be carried on board, in good condition, and immediately accessible in an emergency.

Approximately 90% of recreational boating drownings involve individuals not wearing a lifejacket. Even when carried on board, cold water, wind, and waves can make it impossible to access and properly put it on in time.

Lifejackets and PFDs are approved for carriage, but lifejackets provide a higher level of protection. Life cushions are not approved for recreational vessels.

Review approved equipment at www.tc.gc.ca and boating requirements at www.boatingsafety.gc.ca.

Respect the water. Know the conditions. Be properly equipped every time.

Cold water does not give second chances. www.TPS.ca/water

⚠️ ICE SAFETY ALERT – TORONTO WATERWAYS ⚠️
Toronto Police Marine Unit

Recent cold weather has caused a flash freeze around parts of Lake Ontario, rivers, and protected waterways. Thin ice is forming — but it is NOT safe to walk or skate on.

In the last two weeks, Marine Unit officers, Toronto Fire Marine, and Toronto Paramedic Services have rescued four people who fell through the ice into cold water. Thankfully, everyone survived without serious injuries.

If you’re near frozen ponds, rivers, or any freshwater areas:
❄️ Stay off the ice
🦺 Always wear a life jacket — it can keep you afloat if the ice breaks
🌬️ Remember the 1-10-1 principle if you fall in:
• 1 minute to control your breathing
• 10 minutes of meaningful movement before cold incapacitation
• 1 hour before unconsciousness from hypothermia. More info —> and
The lake is colder and more dangerous than it looks.
Stay alert, stay safe, and look out for each other along Toronto’s waterfront.

— Toronto Police Marine Unit
Available 24/7 when seconds matter.
www.TPS.ca/water