Two Men Drown After Canoe Capsizes in Sturgeon Lake: Tragedy Highlights Water Safety Risks
Tragic canoe capsizing on Sturgeon Lake claims two lives; authorities emphasize the critical need for life-jacket use to prevent future drownings.

Tragedy struck in the Kawartha Lakes region Sunday afternoon when a canoe carrying three men capsized on Sturgeon Lake, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. Emergency responders rushed to the scene shortly after 3 p.m. following reports of a boating accident that would prompt both lifesaving and recovery operations.
According to provincial police, the vessel overturned unexpectedly with all three occupants tossed into the cold water. While one man managed to swim safely back to shore, the other two were unable to remain afloat and succumbed to their injuries before help could arrive.
Authorities confirmed that none of the canoe’s occupants were wearing life-jackets at the time of the incident, a factor believed to have contributed to the tragedy. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and have once again urged the public to prioritize safety whenever venturing onto local waterways.
This latest incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with recreational water activities, particularly when adequate safety measures are not observed. Officials continue to stress the importance of wearing personal flotation devices, no matter one’s swimming ability or experience level, in order to prevent further loss of life.