UPDATE: OPP report that shortly before 9 am today the body of the missing swimmer was recovered.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending next of kin notification.
Local residents and visitors are asked to be cautious whenever entering a body of water. Know your limits, wear appropriate safety equipment and please stay safe.
PRIOR: The OPP is currently investigating a suspected drowning on the Muskoka River in Bracebridge.
Saturday evening shortly after 7 pm, officers from the Bracebridge OPP along with Bracebridge Fire, responded to a swimmer in distress on the Muskoka River off Golden Beach Road.
The 18-year-old male did not resurface and search efforts are now underway.
UPDATE: (Sunday, July 4th) The OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU) is assisting with the search which is happening near the Santa’s Village theme park shoreline. The Village has announced that rides and attractions that are in the proximity of the search are closed today. If you had booked a visit to the park today, you can reschedule your visit by emailing information@santasvillage.ca
More information will be released as it becomes available.
18-year-old male failed to resurface and search efforts are underway on the south branch of the Muskoka River by #BbrOPP, Bracebrige Fire and OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU). More information will be released as it becomes available. Please stay safe. ^gp pic.twitter.com/APPxGXltns
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) July 4, 2021