20-year-old passerby rescues little girl struggling in water: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is crediting the actions of a 20-year-old man for saving a little girl who was struggling in the waters of Lake Huron.

It happened at the Rotary Cove Beach in Goderich, Ont. around 10 a.m. on Sept. 4.

Police received a call about a seven-year-old girl who was on a toy inflatable and was caught in the wind and currents and unable to make her way back to shore on her own.

Police say the little girl was not wearing a life jacket and was approximately 50 metres from the shoreline.

Family members tried to swim out to the girl but were not strong enough to bring her back in.

OPP says a 20-year-old man who was out for a walk noticed what was happening in the water and jumped into action.

The man swam out to the girl and safely brought her back to shore.

Police say this incident could have ended up in a fatality had it not been for the life-saving actions of the young man.

Huron County OPP has offered the following water safety tips to help keep residents safe.

Open Water Safety Tips

• Never underestimate the power of currents. A boater, swimmer, or wader in open water who underestimates the power of currents can be swept away instantly.
• Open water is very different than swimming in a pool – distance is deceiving, and you often have to contend with cold water, waves, currents, drop-offs, sandbars, water visibility, undertows, and underwater obstacles.
• Always swim with a buddy and check the weather conditions before venturing into the water.
• Be aware of currents, water temperature, and depth when swimming in open water.
• Wind and waves frequently come up suddenly, posing a major threat for swimmers and boaters far from sheltered waters in lakes. Advance verification and ongoing observation of weather conditions are essential.
• Obey signs and signals (such as flags) posted on the beach which indicate whether the water is safe to enter.
• Lifejackets are like seat belts – they only work if you wear them, and wear them properly.
• It’s not enough to have a lifejacket on board. It is unrealistic and unsafe to assume that a boater will be able to retrieve and properly secure a flotation device while falling overboard, capsizing, or colliding with another boat or object.