On August 24, 2026, the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a report of a child who had fallen into the Red River adjacent to St. John’s Park.
Shortly before 7:00 p.m., officers from the North District attended St. John’s Park and located the unconscious young child who was receiving emergency first aid from a bystander. Officers took over life-saving efforts until the child was transported to hospital in critical condition. The child remained in hospital where she ultimately was stabilized. The child is expected to make a full recovery.
During the investigation by the Child Abuse Unit, investigators learned that a witness had observed the child shortly after entering the water, followed by a parent who was attempting to save the child from drowning. The witness immediately jumped into action to assist both the child and the parent.
Demonstrating remarkable courage and selflessness, and with little regard for her own safety, the witness first pulled the father from the water and then immediately swam out to reach the child. As she swam backwards to the shoreline with the unconscious child on her chest, she began performing life-saving measures and continued those efforts upon reaching shore.
The Winnipeg Police Service commends the bystander’s courageous and selfless actions in coming to the aid of complete strangers. She is being credited for saving both the lives of the child and the parent during this incident.
The WPS reminds citizens that appropriate supervision and safety precautions should always be exercised when visiting parks, waterways, and other bodies of water throughout the city.