Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service performs water rescue

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service performs water rescue

Released: 8:48 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – At 5:58 a.m. on Monday, May 30, 2022, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of an adult male in the Red River in the vicinity of the Disraeli Bridge. Callers to 9-1-1 reported that the male was struggling while being swept north down the river by the swift current.

WFPS and Winnipeg Police Service units were immediately dispatched to the scene and to strategic points along the river’s path. The WFPS Water Rescue Team was deployed, and the crews positioned along the river were able to direct them to the location of the individual. Using specialized equipment, the Water Rescue Team crew made contact with the individual north of the Redwood Bridge and safely brought him to shore in their boat at 6:18 a.m.

The patient was transported to hospital in stable condition by on-scene paramedics.

At this time, it is not known how the individual came to be in the water, or how long they were in it.

Last year, WFPS responded to approximately 150 water rescue calls.

Residents are advised of the following water safety tips:

• All waterways should be considered hazardous at this time, including rivers, streams, retention ponds, and ditches.
• High and swift moving waters are extremely dangerous and cold and should be avoided as there is seen and unseen debris in the water.
• Stay away from the banks of rivers and waterways. Banks are unstable and the volume of moving water can easily sweep someone away.
• Speak to children of all ages about the dangers of river banks, streams, drainage ditches and retention ponds, particularly when they are old enough to be left unsupervised and may be playing with friends in their neighbhourhood.
• Dog owners are reminded to keep their dogs on leash around waterways to prevent them from chasing geese or ducks into the water

For more information, see river conditions and review these water safety tips.