LAKEVIEW — A Hancock County man died Thursday after falling from his boat at Indian Lake.
David Hamilton, 59, of Rawson, was pronounced dead at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine after his boat capsized on the lake around 12:20 p.m., according to Sarah Wickham, public information officer with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
First responders performed CPR on Hamilton at the scene but were unable to revive him.
Wickham said that despite spring temperatures, Ohio waters are still quite frigid. Hypothermia can set in quickly if someone falls into the water.
“We see a lot of drownings this time of year,” the ODNR spokeswoman said. “People fall into the water, and they go into shock quickly.”
Glen Cobb, chief of the Division of Parks and Watercraft, added, “Hypothermia sets in rapidly when people enter cold water because people lose the use of the muscles in their arms and legs, which makes it very difficult to get safely back to shore. People should avoid getting into the water when the water is extremely cold, and if they are boating or paddling, it is critical to wear a life jacket and dress for the water temperature.”
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