(PORT DOVER, ON) – A swimmer has been rescued from Lake Erie thanks to the quick-thinking actions of a 12-year-old family member and a nearby bystander.
On Saturday July 5, 2025, at approximately 4:40 p.m., members of the Norfolk Detachment of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), OPP Marine Unit, and Norfolk County Paramedic Services responded to a report of a 65-year-old male who had experienced a medical episode while swimming at Port Dover Beach.
Upon recognizing signs of distress, the swimmer’s 12-year-old family member pulled the individual back to shore. Once on land, a nearby bystander performed CPR, successfully reviving the individual. The Norfolk County Paramedic Services transported the swimmer to the hospital, where no serious injuries were reported.
Norfolk OPP commends the swift and courageous actions of both the young rescuer and bystander. The OPP reminds the public to remain vigilant when swimming. Swimmers are strongly encouraged to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs), swim with a companion, and when possible, choose locations supervised by trained lifeguards.