Winnipeg, MB – At 5:26 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of an individual in the Assiniboine River, near the Donald Street bridge.
Once on scene, crews located the individual who was being pulled by the current towards the Red River. Using water rescue equipment, crews were able to rescue the individual from the water and bring them to shore.
The patient was assessed and treated by paramedics, and then transported to hospital in critical condition. At this time, it is not known why the individual came to be in the water, or how long they were there.
Residents are reminded to always use extreme caution around all Winnipeg waterways, including drainage ditches, culverts, streams, creeks, retention ponds, and rivers.
WFPS asks parents, guardians, and educators to take some time to speak to children of all ages about the dangers of playing on or near a body of water. This is especially important when the children are old enough to be left unsupervised and may be playing with friends in their neighbourhood.
Residents are advised of the following water safety tips:
- All waterways should be considered hazardous, including rivers, streams, retention ponds, and ditches. Water is cold and can be swift moving at this time of the year. There may be seen and unseen debris in the water.
- Dog owners are reminded to keep their dogs on leash around waterways to prevent them from chasing geese or ducks into the water.
- Venturing into the water places you at risk, but also puts our responders at risk as they will be required to mount a rescue mission. Please keep yourself out of harm’s way!
- If you see someone who has gone into the water and is struggling, call 9-1-1 immediately and try to keep track of where they are. Do not go in after them. Wait for first responders.
Last year, WFPS responded to approximately 150 water rescue calls.
For more information, see river conditions.