Police are urging boating safety after three men from London had to be rescued after their sailboat capsized on Lake Huron north of Bayfield.
The Huron County Ontario Provincial Police said on Sunday around 11am, the OPP Marine Unit and the Canadian Coast Guard responded to a 911 call after strong winds and heavy waves capsized the boat 2 km from shore.
Three London men between the ages of 19 to 24 were found attempting to hold onto the overturned hull of the sailboat and were pulled from the frigid water by rescue crews.
The men were treated for hypothermia and exhaustion after being brought to shore by the Coast Guard.
"We are very fortunate these young males survived this life and death situation," said Huron OPP Sgt. Andrew MacIsaac. "It very easily could have been a tragedy. I cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared before you sail. The best protection you can give yourself on the water is to wear your life jacket."
Police say the boaters were inexperienced and ill-prepared with no safety equipment on board the boat. The three men were also not wearing life jackets.