Burlington man drowns after falling off paddle board

A Burlington man is dead after drowning in Port Elgin on Monday.

Emergency crews responded to a possible drowning at the main beach shortly before noon.

Witnesses told police a paddleboarder had fallen off his board into deep water beyond the marked swimming area and appeared to be struggling.

“Upon hearing calls for help some civilians immediately took action and were able to pull the victim back onto shore where life-saving measures were performed,” said Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in a news release.

The 38-year-old man was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The identity of the victim is being withheld at the request of the family.

South Bruce OPP would like to thank the public for their assistance.

They are also reminding residents that Lifejackets/Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are required safety equipment for anyone using a paddleboard.