Man Dead After Water Scooter Incident in Greater Napanee, Ont.
A tragic water scooter incident in Greater Napanee, Ontario, has left a 33-year-old man dead, despite CPR efforts by bystanders and police. The incident highlights how quickly water-related emergencies can escalate—and why CPR knowledge remains critical in public spaces.
According to a CBC News report, the man was found face down in the Bay of Quinte on Saturday morning while the water scooter he was believed to have been driving continued to circle unmanned nearby.
👉 Read the original CBC News article here: Man dead after water scooter incident in Greater Napanee, Ont.
Timeline of the Incident
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to a public boat launch on Bayview Drive, along the eastern edge of the Bay of Quinte, at approximately 11:40 a.m. A 911 caller reported a possibly intoxicated man attempting to unload a jet ski at the launch.
As officers were responding, OPP were notified that a man and woman wearing life jackets had been seen riding the water scooter in the bay.
Nearly 20 minutes later, at 12:05 p.m., police received another call reporting that CPR was being performed on a man at a residence on County Road 9, which also borders the Bay of Quinte and is located not far from the boat launch.
CPR and Emergency Response
Police later confirmed that another boater noticed an unmanned jet ski circling in the water and discovered the man floating face down. A bystander immediately began CPR, which was continued by police officers until paramedics arrived on scene.
Despite these lifesaving efforts, the man was transported to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigation and Autopsy
The victim was identified as Ossario “Sam” Hoyte, a resident of Greater Napanee. An autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
OPP also learned that the woman who had been riding the water scooter with him had been dropped off on shore prior to the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.
Why CPR Training Is So Important
While CPR cannot save every life, early and effective CPR can significantly increase survival chances during drowning and cardiac emergencies. In this incident, quick action by bystanders and first responders ensured the victim received immediate care.
Learning CPR empowers everyday people to respond confidently when emergencies happen near water, at home, or in public places. If you want to be prepared, consider enrolling in CPR and AED training through Winnipeg First Aid.
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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