Port Dover Beach Incident: 12-Year-Old Girl Saves Drowning Relative in Heroic Rescue

PORT DOVER, ONTARIO — A 12-year-old girl is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a 65-year-old family member who suffered a medical emergency while swimming at Port Dover Beach on Saturday.
According to Norfolk OPP, the incident occurred in Lake Erie when the older swimmer began experiencing a sudden medical episode in the water. Without hesitation, the young girl acted swiftly, pulling her relative to shore through the waves.
A nearby bystander immediately stepped in and administered CPR on the unconscious man. Thanks to their quick actions, the individual was successfully revived and later transported to hospital. Authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were reported.
The Norfolk County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police commended both the girl and the bystander for their “courageous and swift response,” emphasizing that their lifesaving actions likely prevented a tragic outcome.
The OPP is using the incident as a reminder for all beachgoers to stay alert near open water. Officials urge the public to wear life jackets, avoid swimming alone, and frequent beaches supervised by trained lifeguards whenever possible.
No further details on the condition of the individual have been released as of Sunday.