Anglers take a dip

On Sept. 17 around 11:30 a.m., Dryden OPP officers were dispatched to Thunder Lake with a report of two fishermen falling out of their boat.
Before officers could attend the scene, the pair managed to get to shore. Both were wearing their lifejackets and were able to swim to shore.
Although uninjured, both anglers were wet and cold from their late September swim.
The OPP would like to remind the public that the cold water can paralyze your muscles instantly.
A lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) will keep you afloat while you gain control of breathing and prevent drowning from loss of muscle control.
Unfortunately, many people do not understand this danger and how to avoid it. If one remains in the cold water for an extended period of time, hypothermia may set in.
Some of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia are:
•shivering, slurred speech, and semi-consciousness;
•slow and weak pulse, slow respiration, lack of co-ordination, irrational, confused, and sleepy behaviour;
•weak, irregular, or absent pulse or respiration; and/or
•loss of consciousness
If you end up in the water, do everything you can to conserve energy and body heat. Swim only if you can join others to reach a safe place.
Remember, wearing your lifejacket in the boat will keep you alive.