Swimmer Drowns in Ottawa River; Foul Play Not Suspected

A 22-year-old man from Markham, Ontario, died after drowning while swimming in the Ottawa River on Friday evening in the Township of Whitewater Region. Ontario Provincial Police say the incident occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. near Foresters Falls, approximately 120 kilometres northwest of Ottawa.

The man was a guest of OWL Rafting and had recently arrived with a group of friends when he went swimming in the river. According to police, he went underwater and did not resurface. His body was located within approximately 30 minutes.

He was pulled to shore, where CPR was immediately started by bystanders. Paramedics arrived shortly afterward and transported him to hospital, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The victim has been identified as Charles “Chuck” Ozulumba. The coroner’s office is investigating the death with assistance from Renfrew County OPP. Police have stated that foul play is not suspected, and an autopsy examination has been scheduled.

A Longstanding Safety Record

Dirk Van Wijk, co-owner of OWL Rafting, said the company and his family are deeply saddened by the loss and have been in contact with the Ozulumba family. He noted that in more than 40 years of operation, OWL Rafting has never previously experienced a drowning incident. The company welcomes thousands of visitors each summer for rafting and other water-based activities.

Van Wijk explained that the victim had only recently arrived before entering the water, highlighting how quickly water-related emergencies can occur—even in supervised recreational settings.

For full details on this incident, you can read the original CBC News report here: 👉 Swimmer drowns in Ottawa River

Why CPR Training Matters in Water Emergencies

Drowning emergencies often occur silently and without warning. Immediate intervention, including early CPR, can be critical while emergency responders are on the way. Although not every outcome can be changed, fast and Confident action can improve the chances of survival in cardiac and drowning-related emergencies.

This is why proper CPR and AED training is especially important for individuals who spend time around water. Learning these skills prepares people to respond effectively when seconds matter most.

Learn More About First Aid and CPR

Education and preparedness play an essential role in community safety. First aid and CPR training equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to act during emergencies at rivers, lakes, pools, and other public spaces.

Additional educational resources:

About The Author

Mark Kascha

Certified First Aid Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of real-world experience, including lifeguarding, workplace emergency response, and first aid program development across Canada. Has worked with WorkSafeBC, WSIB, and Manitoba Health.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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