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OPP search for missing swimmer in Port Burwell

OPP continued their search of Lake Erie Monday for a missing swimmer in Port Burwell after three other people were rescued by a bystander on shore.

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Police and fire crews responded to reports of a missing swimmer at the Port Burwell Provincial Park at about 1:49 p.m. Saturday.

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“It was determined two individuals were swimming in the waters of Lake Erie at Port Burwell Provincial Park when they became in distress,” Acting Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said in a video update posted to social media Saturday evening.

“As a result, two other people then entered the water to help them and they also became in distress.”

A bystander on the beach threw a lifesaving ring to the swimmers, managing to save three of the four people, Sanchuk said.

The fourth person remains missing, Sanchuk said.

OPP, the Joint Operation Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, the Coast Guard and officials from the Port Burwell Provincial Park are searching the water and shoreline of Lake Erie, Sanchuk said.

The choppy water on Lake Erie is making the search difficult for the rescue boats, Sanchuk said. The search group has all-terrain vehicles on shore and is being assisted by the police canines, he said.

Family members of the missing swimmer have been notified, he said.

In a video update posted on social media Saturday from the beach, Sanchuk said the water was very choppy and urged people to be vigilant about their personal safety while swimming.

“Make sure you put your safety as a priority any time you are going into unfamiliar waters,” he said. “Please make sure you take care, stay safe and get home safe to your families.”

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