Yet agian another Fatal Mistake .

[BBJTKLE&FISHINGADVENTURES]

http://www.albertapolicereport.com/2...-of-athabasca/

October 21st, 2012 APR

Athabasca, Alberta – On October 20, 2012 at 4:26 pm Athabasca RCMP were dispatched to a report of a capsized canoe on Calling Lake which is approximately 75 km north of Athabasca, Alberta.

Witnesses reported that an aboriginal male subject was in a canoe pulling his fish nets in Calling Lake approximately 200 meters from shore when the canoe capsized. The male subject fell into the frigid water and was not seen again. An immediate search of the area was conducted with the canoe and fish net being recovered before nightfall last evening.

At the time of the incident, Lake conditions were described as strong winds, choppy water with light snow /sleet falling. The ambient temperature was at the freezing point.

Plans were put in place for a resumption of the search to be commenced at first light this morning. Family members attended at the location very early this morning and contacted police to advise that they had observed what they believed to be the deceased floating near shore. Police with assistance from Athabasca Fish & Wildlife and Calling Lake Search & Rescue recovered the body which has been taken to the Edmonton Medical Examiners Office for further examination.

The deceased has been identified as Henry Clarence HOULE age 60 years who is a member of the Bigstone Band at Calling Lake. The deceased was not wearing a life jacket and was described as a non swimmer. Family has been notified.

RCMP Athabasca would like to extend a sincere appreciation to civilians, Athabasca Fish & Wildlife members, Calling Lake Search & Rescue and Slave Lake Search & Rescue for their assistance.

Sgt. B.T.(Brian) SCOTT
Athabasca Detachment Commander


Now this bring the question how many of these incidents have to happen before people get the hint .

[Stupid Deep]

Originally Posted by BBJTKLE&FISHINGADVENTURES

http://www.albertapolicereport.com/2...-of-athabasca/

October 21st, 2012 APR

Athabasca, Alberta – On October 20, 2012 at 4:26 pm Athabasca RCMP were dispatched to a report of a capsized canoe on Calling Lake which is approximately 75 km north of Athabasca, Alberta.

Witnesses reported that an aboriginal male subject was in a canoe pulling his fish nets in Calling Lake approximately 200 meters from shore when the canoe capsized. The male subject fell into the frigid water and was not seen again. An immediate search of the area was conducted with the canoe and fish net being recovered before nightfall last evening.

At the time of the incident, Lake conditions were described as strong winds, choppy water with light snow /sleet falling. The ambient temperature was at the freezing point.

Plans were put in place for a resumption of the search to be commenced at first light this morning. Family members attended at the location very early this morning and contacted police to advise that they had observed what they believed to be the deceased floating near shore. Police with assistance from Athabasca Fish & Wildlife and Calling Lake Search & Rescue recovered the body which has been taken to the Edmonton Medical Examiners Office for further examination.

The deceased has been identified as Henry Clarence HOULE age 60 years who is a member of the Bigstone Band at Calling Lake. The deceased was not wearing a life jacket and was described as a non swimmer. Family has been notified.

RCMP Athabasca would like to extend a sincere appreciation to civilians, Athabasca Fish & Wildlife members, Calling Lake Search & Rescue and Slave Lake Search & Rescue for their assistance.

Sgt. B.T.(Brian) SCOTT
Athabasca Detachment Commander


Now this bring the question how many of these incidents have to happen before people get the hint .

I am a very experienced swimmer and I always have my lifejacket on in small vessels. The only boat where I don't wear one all the time is my grandfathers 32' cabin cruiser.

[npauls]

Survival of the fittest John.

Sad to say but it will continue happening as long as boats are allowed on the water.

[RavYak]

I just don't get why if you are a non swimmer as article puts it you wouldn't wear a life jacket especially in a canoe on a large lake on a miserable day???

I guess the guy has probably been doing this for quite some time but still there is no way I would be going out in a canoe without a lifejacket if I couldn't swim...

I am guilty of often not wearing mine but I always have it within arms reach so as long as I don't get knocked unconscious I can grab it and put it on.

[avb3]

Originally Posted by RavCanoe

I just don't get why if you are a non swimmer as article puts it you wouldn't wear a life jacket especially in a canoe on a large lake on a miserable day???

I guess the guy has probably been doing this for quite some time but still there is no way I would be going out in a canoe without a lifejacket if I couldn't swim...

I am guilty of often not wearing mine but I always have it within arms reach so as long as I don't get knocked unconscious I can grab it and put it on.

Depending on how far from shore he was, he may well have succumbed to hypothermia with the water temperatures being what they are.

I can't understand not having a life jacket, regardless.

[cranky]

Sad to hear. The guy has probably gotten away with it for years. The odds caught up to him i guess.

Lately ive considered wearing one fishing from shore as im having a bit of a balance problem in my old age. Something to do with losing some hearing they say. And i swim like a brick.

[Geezle]

Originally Posted by RavCanoe

I just don't get why if you are a non swimmer as article puts it you wouldn't wear a life jacket especially in a canoe on a large lake on a miserable day???

I guess the guy has probably been doing this for quite some time but still there is no way I would be going out in a canoe without a lifejacket if I couldn't swim...

I am guilty of often not wearing mine but I always have it within arms reach so as long as I don't get knocked unconscious I can grab it and put it on.

X2

Non-swimmer in a canoe in poor weather conditions trying to pull nets is just a recipe for disaster.

Condolences to his family.

Sad.

[BGSH]

Originally Posted by Stupid Deep

I am a very experienced swimmer and I always have my lifejacket on in small vessels. The only boat where I don't wear one all the time is my grandfathers 32' cabin cruiser.

Doesn't matter how experienced of a swimmer or boater you are at this time of year if you go down or have trouble on the water chances are slim that you will be rescued in time before your body goes into shock, the water is so cold this time of year and i cannot imagine how many smart people we will see out on the early ice by November, people should always wait to drive on the ice at least 14 inches to walk on the ice i think it is 6 inches at least, but i always wait until a full on ice over and very think ice no matter what when on the lake, always use your common sense, remember a fish is not worth drowning over.

[Wild&Free]

Originally Posted by BGSH

Doesn't matter how experienced of a swimmer or boater you are at this time of year if you go down or have trouble on the water chances are slim that you will be rescued in time before your body goes into shock, the water is so cold this time of year and i cannot imagine how many smart people we will see out on the early ice by November, people should always wait to drive on the ice at least 14 inches to walk on the ice i think it is 6 inches at least, but i always wait until a full on ice over and very think ice no matter what when on the lake, always use your common sense, remember a fish is not worth drowning over.

I think the guidelines I remember as a kid was 4" was safe to walk on, but personally I like 8" and full ice over like you said as well. At least in AB some of the lakes are kept clear of snow by the wind so you can see weak/poor quality ice. Back home, it was walk til you broke crust and hit slush, then turn back 15-20' and drop some holes.

[Stinky Buffalo]

So sad. Condolences to his family.

Stinky

[Pikey]

Very sad, and thoughts with the family.

[Sooner]

That's one lake i dont like being on when it's rough, let alone in a canoe without a life jacket. Too bad it cost him his life. Condolances to the family and friends.

[DiabeticKripple]

Sad to hear, but if you can't swim and don't wear a life jacket in a canoe on a choppy lake, while pulling nets, then you need to give your head a shake.