A local resident’s quick action saved a swimmer in distress near the Port Dover pier.
Monday evening, Norfolk OPP, Norfolk County Fire Department, and Norfolk County Paramedic Services responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a swimmer struggling near Harbour Street in Port Dover.
The swimmer, a 22-year-old from Brantford, had jumped into the water but soon showed signs of distress and couldn’t swim back to safety. A local resident bravely entered the water and rescued the swimmer, bringing them back to the pier without injury.
The OPP emphasizes the importance of wearing lifejackets for all swimmers and advises against swimming in areas marked with “No Swimming” signs due to potential hazards. They also caution that entering the water to assist a distressed swimmer can be dangerous due to risks like strong currents, limited visibility, and physical strain.
Written by Jeremy Hall