On Monday, July 12, just before noon, South Bruce OPP, Saugeen Shores Police Service, Saugeen Shores Fire Department and Bruce County Paramedic Services (EMS) responded to the Main Beach in Port Elgin for a possible drowning.

In a July 13 media release from South Bruce OPP, witnesses reported a paddle boarder had fallen off his paddle board in deep water beyond the marked swimming area and appeared to be struggling. Upon hearing calls for help some civilians took action and were able to pull the victim back to shore where life-saving measures were performed.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The deceased is a 38-year-old from Burlington. Their identity is being withheld at the request of the family.

OPP West Region Traffic Incident Management & Enforcement (TIME) Team assisted with the investigation.