Police Search Intensifies For Missing Paddleboarder
Police are searching for a missing paddleboarder who has not been seen since Saturday night, raising serious concern for his safety and prompting an urgent public appeal for information.
The missing paddleboarder has been identified in public police updates as 38-year-old Robson Florentino. He was reportedly last seen entering the Ottawa River on a paddleboard around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from the Gatineau side.
Authorities have expressed concern for his well-being as search efforts continue. The case has drawn attention from residents on both sides of the Ottawa River, especially near areas facing Andrew Haydon Park and the western shoreline.
Missing Paddleboarder Last Seen On Ottawa River
According to public information shared by police, Florentino was last seen heading onto the Ottawa River on a paddleboard. He was reportedly entering the water from the Gatineau side, across from Andrew Haydon Park.
The Ottawa River can be unpredictable, especially for paddleboarders. Water conditions, wind, current, changing visibility, and cold water exposure can all increase risk quickly. Even experienced paddlers can face serious danger if conditions change suddenly.
Police are asking anyone who may have seen the missing paddleboarder, his board, or anything unusual along the river to come forward.
Description Released As Police Seek Public Help
Authorities have shared details to help the public identify the missing paddleboarder. Florentino is described as 38 years old, with brown hair, standing approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, and having a muscular build.
At the time he was last seen, he was reportedly wearing red board shorts and a baseball cap.
These details are important because people walking, boating, cycling, fishing, or spending time near the Ottawa River may have noticed something without realizing it could be connected to the search.
Search Efforts Continue Along River Area
The search for a missing paddleboarder can involve multiple challenges. Water searches often require coordination between police, marine units, rescue teams, and sometimes partner agencies across municipal or provincial boundaries.
Because the Ottawa River separates Ottawa and Gatineau, searches in this area may involve attention on both shorelines. Crews may check launch points, riverbanks, nearby parks, marinas, bridges, and areas where wind or current could carry a paddleboard or personal items.
In cases like this, even small pieces of information can help. A sighting, photo, video, or memory from Saturday evening may assist investigators in narrowing the search area.
Police Ask Residents To Check Photos And Videos
Anyone who was near the Ottawa River on Saturday evening is encouraged to review phone photos, dashcam footage, doorbell camera clips, or boating videos. Sometimes a missing person or object appears in the background of a photo or video without being noticed at the time.
Residents in waterfront areas may also want to check docks, shorelines, sheds, security cameras, and river access points. People should not put themselves at risk while searching, but any possible clue should be reported to police.
Water Safety Reminder For Paddleboarders
The missing paddleboarder case is also a serious reminder about water safety. Paddleboarding may look calm and simple, but open water can become dangerous quickly.
Anyone heading onto a river, lake, or bay should wear a properly fitted life jacket or personal flotation device. Paddleboarders should also check weather and wind conditions before going out, avoid going alone when possible, carry a whistle or waterproof communication device, and tell someone where they are going and when they expect to return.
Cold water, fatigue, changing current, and sudden wind can create life-threatening conditions even close to shore.
Public Urged To Avoid Speculation
As the search continues, officials and loved ones need accurate information, not rumours. Members of the public should avoid sharing unverified claims about what may have happened.
In missing person cases, false information can slow down search efforts and create additional distress for family and friends. The most helpful action is to share confirmed police information and report anything relevant directly to authorities.
How To Contact Police With Information
Anyone who believes they saw Robson Florentino or has information connected to the missing paddleboarder search should contact Ottawa Police.
Police have asked the public to call 613-236-1222, extension 2912, and refer to case number 2026-146879.
People who were near the Ottawa River around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, especially near the Gatineau side across from Andrew Haydon Park, may have information that could help.
Community Hope Remains As Search Continues
The search for a missing paddleboarder has deeply concerned the community. Incidents on the Ottawa River often affect residents across both Ottawa and Gatineau because so many people use the river for recreation, exercise, boating, and family outings.
As police continue their efforts, the public’s help remains important. A single detail from a passerby, cyclist, boater, or waterfront resident could provide a useful lead.
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