A person paddle boarding. File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / robwilson39A person paddle boarding. File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / robwilson39
Midwestern

Local man used paddle board to save one canoeist in Dyers Bay

Water safety has become top of mind following a distress call Sunday afternoon from Dyers Bay in Northern Bruce Peninsula after two canoeists fell overboard.

Tyson Remers was at his wife’s family’s cottage on Dyers Bay Road when they heard calls for help. Remers says he saw one person clinging to his overturned canoe about 100 feet off shore.

“I have a stand up paddleboard that we keep in the garage so I just ran back up. I knew I had to get back out there pretty quick. I threw on a lifejacket, and I grabbed another one and clipped it to the paddleboard and paddled out and called to him to let him know I was coming to help.”

Once they got back to the shore, Remers says another witness had already called 9-1-1, so they focused on keeping the canoeist he saved dry and warm. He was later transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“It’s a beautiful place, but it’s rugged and rough and you have to really take it seriously. It can be unforgiving if you don’t and people take risks and make mistakes.”

Remers hopes this accident can shed some light on the importance of practicing water safety.

“If you’re going out on the water, even in a watercraft, wear a lifejacket. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, conditions can change so fast. Be wary, let people know where you’re going, and be honest with yourself. If you aren’t comfortable swimming, don’t go out into [open] water.”

As of Monday afternoon, the search continued for the second canoeist.

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