Officers from the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police with the assistance of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and some good Samaritans rescued a stranded paddleboarder and her dog.
According to an OPP news release, on July 10, 2022, shortly after 6 p.m., a 41-year-old from Essa Township left Angus with her dog on a paddleboard with the intention to travel the Nottawasaga River to Edenvale Conservation Area. Due to low water levels in some areas and unforeseen obstacles in others, the female was forced to portage in several areas which caused her to become exhausted. Approximately halfway through the 20-kilometre trek, she and her dog were forced to stop and wait for assistance. A family member, along with a good Samaritan left Edenvale in a boat in an attempt to locate them. Due to shallow water, the rescuers were forced to abandon the boat and navigate the swampy regions by foot in the dark. The exhausted pair eventually located the female several kilometres away. After spending a night in the bush, all parties were eventually rescued and lifted out by helicopter.
The OPP would like to remind everyone that it is their responsibility to make sure they are prepared when travelling into remote areas and to appropriately manage any risks associated with these recreational activities.
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority has put together safety information here , with a section devoted specifically to the Minesing Wetlands.