Winnipeg, MB – At approximately 12:00 p.m. January 26, 2019, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews responded to reports that a snowmobile driver had partially broken through the ice on the La Salle River in St. Norbert. With the snowmobile partially submerged, the driver was unable to escape to safety and called 911 from a cell phone.
The WFPS Water Rescue team arrived on scene and using specialized water rescue equipment, was able to bring the driver safely back to shore.
The snowmobile driver was assessed on scene by WFPS paramedics and then transported to hospital suffering from mild hypothermia. No other injuries were reported.
Residents are reminded that even in very cold weather all waterways, including rivers, streams and retention ponds, can be unsafe. Only waterways which are monitored for ice safety should be used for recreational activities.
Parents and teachers are urged to speak to children and students about the dangers of waterways. The ice surfaces are thin and fragile, and falling into ice-cold water can be deadly. Updated ice conditions for City-run facilities can be found at City of Winnipeg – Parks and Open Space.