North

Tourists should be cautious in cold water, says Yukon coroner

The Yukon coroner is warning tourists about the dangers of cold water boating, following the death of a Winnipeg man last September.

Advice follows death of 27-year-old Winnipeg man last summer

The Yukon Coroner is warning tourists about the dangers of cold water boating.

John McIntyre, 27, of Winnipeg drowned last September in Fish Lake. Yukon Chief Coroner Kirsten Macdonald says her warning could have saved his life.

The coroner is warning tourists to be aware of the challenges of water activities in Yukon's often frigid waters. (istockphoto)

McIntrye and a friend had rented a canoe from a Whitehorse outfitter.

Macdonald says their rental agreement made no mention of the inherent risks of canoeing Yukon’s frigid lake waters.

McIntrye drowned after the canoe capsized and he was unable to swim to shore.

The Coroner has directed the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon to amend its code of conduct for its outfitting members.