Tragic drowning at University of Toronto camp reinforces the importance of CPR and water safety
A heartbreaking incident at the University of Toronto’s survey camp on Gull Lake, near Minden, Ontario, has renewed conversations about water safety and the life-saving importance of CPR training. An 18-year-old student from Mississauga drowned during an afternoon break at the camp, despite immediate efforts from classmates to save his life.
The camp, located along Deep Bay Road about 100 kilometres north of Peterborough, has long been used as a field training site where engineering students learn surveying, geology, and integrated water systems. But on this day, the routine academic trip turned tragic.
This article draws on reporting from Global News, which covered the initial police investigation and university response. You can read the original article here:
👉 OPP probe student drowning at University of Toronto Survey Camp on Gull Lake in Minden
What happened at Gull Lake?
According to Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Peter Leon, emergency crews were called to the camp shortly before 5 p.m. After being pulled from the water
the student was transported to hospital without vital signs and later pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination was ordered, and the investigation remains ongoing through the Haliburton Highlands OPP.
The University of Toronto confirmed the loss of one of its engineering students, noting that he was part of a group taking part in a course at the camp. Dean Cristina Amon said the university community is deeply shaken and immediately cancelled all programming at the camp for the remainder of the week.
“Today, our attention must be with those affected by this terrible tragedy,” Amon stated. “The thoughts of our entire community are with the family and friends of the student who died.”
The university also offered counselling services and a confidential phone line to support students, staff, and faculty affected by the tragedy.
Earlier reports provide more context
Additional details from witnesses and classmates help paint a fuller picture. According to students at the scene, the victim—identified in earlier reports as Anand Baiju, a second-year civil engineering student—did not know how to swim. After entering the lake with classmates, he disappeared beneath a floating dock located away from shore.
A classmate named Lakbala, noticing distress among other students, swam out and learned that Baiju was missing underwater. He began diving repeatedly in an attempt to locate him. With the help of others, Baiju was eventually brought to shore unconscious. Students immediately started CPR, while a professor called 911.
Sadly, despite the quick actions of those present, Baiju could not be revived.
Why CPR training matters
This tragedy underscores just how crucial it is for the public to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). While CPR cannot prevent every fatality—especially in drowning cases where oxygen deprivation may last several minutes—it can dramatically increase the chance of survival when performed quickly and correctly.
CPR training empowers you to:
Maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs
Provide critical support until paramedics arrive
Improve survival rates during cardiac arrest, drowning, and other respiratory emergencies
For those looking to learn these essential skills, Calgary residents can explore certified CPR and AED courses offered locally.
👉 Learn more here: https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
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