Kid on kayak goes missing: police marine unit steps in

South Simcoe Police Marine unit in the water on June 25, 2026. (South Simcoe Police)

When a child’s inflatable kayak did not return after two hours, South Simcoe Police say, the parents called for help.

On Thursday, police say the 11-year-old intended to swim from to Snake Island from Innisfil’s shoreline, but hours went by and the child did not return.

A call came into to York Regional Police around 3: 15 p.m., who then requested South Simcoe Police to assist in the search for the child and the kayak.

The marine unit from South Simcoe Police, along with other police departments and a drone, arrived in the area, armed with information provided to authorities about what the what the child and the kayak looked like.

Police say they found the child about one and a half kilometres from the shoreline, within minutes of entering the water.

A police boat brought the child and kayak on board. Although in good health, police say the child was experiencing fatigue as a result of strong currents and mild winds.

The child was ultimately returned to family.

Police are reminding boaters to ensure they have proper safety equipment suitable for their vessels and a reliable communication device in case of emergency.