Summer campers rescued in Lake Ontario

OAKVILLE – Twelve children and two adults on a day camp excursion had to be rescued by the Halton police marine unit Monday after they drifted out into Lake Ontario.

Sergeant Barry Hughes said police were called shortly after noon Monday when the group realized all their vessels were being pushed offshore by winds and the lake current.

“The party was not able to return to shore and a distress call was made,” Hughes said in a statement.

The marine unit was scrambled and officers found the group in six canoes and a 12-foot small aluminum boat 2.5 kilometres offshore.

Water conditions further out in the lake were described as ‘choppy’ but the group was returned to Oakville by police safe and sound. Police then went back to retrieve the aluminum boat and canoes.