A weekend swim in Skeleton Lake turned tragic when a 22-year-old man was struck by a boat, leaving him fighting for his life in a Toronto hospital while the boat's operator faces impaired driving charges.
The collision occurred Saturday afternoon around 5 p.m. near Skeleton Lake Road 5 in Muskoka Lakes Township, according to Ontario Provincial Police. Emergency responders arrived to find that witnesses had already pulled the severely injured swimmer from the water.
The victim, who resides in Georgina, Ontario, was initially transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to a Toronto-area trauma center due to the severity of his injuries. Police confirmed the man remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
OPP officers arrested the boat operator at the scene. The 39-year-old Niagara Falls resident has been charged with multiple offenses including:
- Impaired operation causing bodily harm
- Failure to comply with a demand
- Failure to stop at an accident resulting in bodily harm
- Failure to comply with a release order
The accused was held for a bail hearing scheduled for Sunday.
Investigation Ongoing
Bracebridge OPP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Officers are particularly interested in obtaining any video footage from nearby properties or witnesses who may have captured the incident.
Water Safety Concerns
This incident highlights ongoing water safety concerns in cottage country during peak summer season. Skeleton Lake, located in the heart of Muskoka's lake district, sees heavy recreational boat traffic during summer weekends.
The collision comes as Ontario experiences heightened water activity with the warm weather drawing swimmers and boaters to lakes across the province.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Bracebridge OPP.
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