Milton man drowns at Port Colborne beach during Labour Day swim, police say | CBC News

A 50-year-old Milton man drowned during a Labour Day swim at a Port Colborne beach, Niagara Regional Police (NRP) said.

Around 1:15 p.m., emergency crews were called to Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores in Port Colborne for a report of a possible drowning.

Police said in a news release that a bystander attempted to assist the man but was not able to do so.

“The man disappeared below the water and did not resurface,” police said in the release.

Emergency services including the NRP marine unit, Port Colborne Fire and Emergency Services, Niagara Emergency Medical Services and Port Colborne Marine Auxiliary Rescue responded to the Empire Road resort.

The Canadian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton dispatched a rescue helicopter that had been in Toronto for an air show and located the man under the water. Police said he was recovered in critical condition.

The man was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, Elgin Ontario Provincial Police Const. Brett Phair said “tragic incidents like this can be avoided,” and is reminding people that they should always use safety equipment whenever they’re on the water.

“It’s the OPP’s position that we want everyone to enjoy the water but be safe when they do it. So, always wear a life jacket, especially when on, you know, large bodies of water,” Phair said.