Winnipeg, MB – At 3:54 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2022, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of an individual in the Red River near the Fort Garry Bridge and St. Vital Park.
One of the residents who called 911 maintained a sightline of the individual until crews arrived and were able to direct the crews to the appropriate location.
Using specialized equipment, water rescue crews entered the water and brought the individual to shore.
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 there.
Last year, WFPS responded to approximately 147 water rescue calls.
Residents are advised of the following spring 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 could easily sweep someone away.
- Speak to children of all ages about the dangers of river banks and retention ponds, particularly when they are old enough to be left unsupervised and may be playing with friends in their neighbhourhood.
For more information, see river conditions and review these water safety tips.