80-year-old dies after drowning at Port Stanley beach

An 80-year-old person has died after being found unresponsive in the waters of Lake Erie at Port Stanley beach on Friday afternoon.

Elgin County OPP said emergency crews were called to the beach at about 1:30 p.m., along with Central Elgin Fire and Elgin County EMS.

According to police, Good Samaritans spotted the person in the water and pulled them to shore. CPR was immediately started before the person was taken to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

Police did not release the person's identity.

In a statement, OPP said there is no single cause that leads to drownings, but they highlighted common risk factors. They advise that learning to swim at an early age, wearing a life-jacket or personal flotation device, ensuring adult supervision of children near water, and avoiding alcohol while boating can all reduce risks.

The investigation into the incident continues.