Paddleboarder's death spotlights water safety risks this summer
After a 38-year-old died on the Ottawa River, experts warn newcomers to the sport about hypothermia, currents, and the need for proper gear.
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A paddleboarder's body was found floating on the Ottawa River on May 31, the day after boaters from the Britannia Yacht Club spotted an empty board with the rider's dog clinging to it in the water.
The discovery has renewed focus on water safety as paddleboarding surges in popularity among Ottawa residents unfamiliar with the sport's hazards. Over the past 10 years, Canada has recorded 13 paddleboard-related deaths — fewer than 10 in Ontario — according to the Lifesaving Society Ontario.
Paddleboards are classified as boats, which means the same risks apply as any watercraft: cold water, strong currents, sudden weather changes, and exhaustion. The Ottawa River's water temperature in late May was cold enough that hypothermia becomes a real threat within minutes of immersion.
Tania Jewkowicz, who was part of the rescue crew that night, said the experience shook her. "I will never forget that image of the dog floating in the distance. The silhouette is burned in my memory," she said.
Experts emphasize that life-jackets, tethers, and a dry bag — standard safety gear the missing paddleboarder had on board — are non-negotiable. New paddleboarders should also consider taking a water-safety course before heading out, especially on moving water like the river. The cold season is over, but the river's depth and currents demand respect year-round.