Members of the City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have responded to a drowning on the Rosedale River, in Fenelon Township.
On August 02, 2021, at approximately 6:30pm, emergency services received an urgent call reporting that a kayaker was stuck, and swept into the undertow of the dam in the turbulent water.
Witnesses were able to get the person to shore and administer first aid until Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Services arrived and took over the life-saving efforts.
Tragically, Leonid KAZANTSENA, 61 years of age, of York, Ontario was pronounced deceased.
The OPP encourages the proper use of PDF’s. Most marine drownings happen unexpectedly when small boats capsize or someone falls overboard. The PFD left behind is not much use, especially in cold water.
Parks Canada advises getting too close to dams can be dangerous. Calm water can quickly, and without warning, become a surge of fast-moving water. This fast-moving water creates strong undercurrents that cannot always be seen from the surface and can drown even the strongest swimmer.
The Ontario Government also warns personal watercraft and boats should always stay clear of dams.
For more information on water safety and dams visit;
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/securite-safety/securite-barrage-dam-safety
https://www.ontario.ca/page/safety-near-dams
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
