Police investgating death at Point Petre
Administrator | Aug 05, 2024 | Comments 2
Prince Edward OPP are investigating a death at Point Petre.
Sunday, Aug. 4 shortly before 7 p.m., officers responded alongside Hastings Quinte Paramedic Service and Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue to Point Petre.
Reports stated individuals had been in the water. Additional assistance was provided by of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
A 35-year-old individual from Prince Edward County was pronounced deceased.
Many social media posts have honoured James Badgley, 35, who they state drowned trying to save another in the water. He was described many as a hero.
The reports were not confirmed, but the OPP did state there were others in the water at the time.
The Governor General of Canada’s website confirms Bagley was honoured with a medal of bravery in 2017 for saving a man from a burning house in Belleville in October, 2015.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life is to be held later.
Filed Under: Local News
When we first came to the County, we were told that certain parts of the Point Petre shoreline were dangerous for swimming. We avoid these areas when the lake is rough. A popular, safe spot has recently been closed off by the owner of an adjacent property. It had been a local favourite for decades. Perhaps coincidentally, the shoreline to the south of this spot seems particularly busy this summer, with many people apparently unaware of the dangers when the waves are high. I’m very sorry a life was lost but sadly, I’m not shocked.
This is a tragic event. It should have never happened. The devastating loss to family and friends is paramount.
How many times does this have to happen before our levels of government realize that more is needed than signage intermittently scattered along the public shorelines of PEC.
Our municipality has created a massive marketing to lure people to our beaches – providing the public with access to the water – with no monitoring or safety and rescue programs in place.
We need all levels of government to step up and provide enforcement personnel to patrol these public spaces – especially on high usage times – to ensure the safety of our citizens.
Point Petre has a history of deaths by drowning due to the strong undercurrents. We’ve known that for centuries – and yet the powers that be think a verbal or written warning is sufficient. It is long past the time to ensure there is emergency rescue equipment on site and enforcement personnel monitoring these beaches.
No more children should become father or motherless because of our lack of mitigation, no parents should experience the loss of a child because of budget cuts.
Life is more valuable than the dollar.