View topic - Tragedy: Death on Opeongo

Canoe with 3 men capsized on Lake Opeongo on Saturday. Details are sketchy, but the paddlers got into trouble setting out into heavy seas late in the afternoon as part of a larger party heading out on an overnighter. Two successfully rescued, the third pulled unconscious from the water and rescuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. PFD's reportedly worn.

Condolances to the family.

Waiting on more details.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/t ... li=AAggNb9

That is an absolute tragedy. Such a popular, high-traffic lake. I can't imagine how the 2 who survived are feeling right now. I hope that we will get another more in-depth update so that the story can be used as a warning to those in the future. I take a lot of people camping who otherwise never would and recently I was having a discussion with someone about the risks involved if they are not a strong swimmer even if they have a life jacket on. God rest his soul and watch over those who were involved.

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It was very windy on Grand and Stratton Lakes on Saturday. If it was that windy on Opeongo, the waves would have been large.

rab

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For he today that sheds his blood with me. Shall be my brother;

The rescuer has posted his account of the situation - quite a lot of detail

http://www.kpwoutdoors.com/blog/opeongo ... -10th-2020

What a hero, thanks for sharing Prospector16.

_________________
YouTube: Solo Wilderness Adventures
https://tinyurl.com/y8x4ubn4

i suspect the family of the drowned man may well sue the outfitter for renting the canoes to unprepared canoers in bad wind conditions. If they win this will only raise rental fees for the rest of us. But save some lives as we all see people on canoe trips who shouldn't be there.

Seeing 3 adults in a canoe always catches my attention----and not in a good way.

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Old canoeists never die---they just smell that way.

This is a fantastic write up. Thanks for sharing.

A cool head and an epic effort. Unfortunately a bittersweet outcome.

We were there just a couple days before.
Very cold in the rain, dangerous if wet and not dressed right.

Let alone submerged.

"6. Outfitters should screen or have a mandatory orientation in cold water conditions in the fall/spring for all canoe renters and possibly should deny rentals based on ability levels."

I'm for rental denial based on some screen. Mandatory orientation is not an option I think.
I think rental denial based on screen is a very good idea (fall/spring).

The canoe takes you everywhere. Always been what's so special about it.
Also what's so deadly.

Unlikely as the participants would have voluntarilly assumed the risk. I suspect that all the Outfitters use a clause similar to this in their rental agreements;
"I further agree to save and hold harmless <insert_outfitter name> Company, its agents and operators from any claim by me or my family, estate, heirs, or assigns arising out of my rental equipment from <outfitter_name>."

Hopefully someone who knows these people will nominate them for a Bravery Decoration;
https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/canadian-h ... ns-bravery.

They very clearly meet the eligibility criteria.

Yes amazing response. Lucky for them being there. When I was younger I did some things on Opeongo that gives me shivers now. The interesting thing is I was scared while doing them. But I still did them. Solo. Spring.
I guess that means crazy over ignorant.