Fire Dept. water rescue -- LNN file photo

By Dori Modney

Lethbridge Fire Services called to evening drowning on Oldman River

Jun 15, 2021 | 12:47 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — A cool evening dip into the Oldman river turned fatal Monday (June 14) night.

City Fire, Emergency Services and Police responded around 7:00 Monday evening, to a 911 call reporting a person had entered the river near Popson Park and then disappeared.

Crews from two stations, along with the Zodiac rescue boat were dispatched to locate the 42-year old woman, who was reported missing after being separated from friends she was swimming with.

Fire Paramedics entered the river near the Paradise Canyon Golf course to recover the victim. Unfortunately, they were unable to resuscitate the victim.

Brendon Pyne, the Water Team Rescue lead, reminds everyone that the river is running higher and faster right now, as a result of rain and mountain runoff. They want to see people being as safe as they possibly can.

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“We want to see people having their PFDs (personal floatation devices), especially if you’re a non swimmer, and if you’re going out in a group, identify who the non swimmers are, so people know that they might need a hand if something happens – keep alcohol at home – you can have it after you are done – don not bring it on the river, and check your flotation device to make sure that it is sound and it going to hold air and be good for the duration of your trip.“

Pyne went on to relate other actions “floaters“ should take, out of an abundance of caution.

“File a float plan – let somebody know where you`re putting in, where you expect to get out and how long you expect you trip to take. Also, have footwear, just in case you need to get out of the water early, if you get a hole in your device or what-not, just have footwear so you can get through the wilderness to a path.“

The water-team rescue lead also noted, “If you do have a problem with your flotation device, make sure you bring it with you – don`t leave it on the shore, because people see that and then call 911 and we have to go looking for somebody that is not there.“

While Pyne cautions anyone using the river right now, that the water is running faster and higher, he notes the current is hiding other dangers`that may not be visible.

“There are so many foot entanglements in this river, rocks, tree stumps, weeds, there`s barbed wire in the river, so just be careful in there and be cognizant of what`s under the water.“

The name of the drowning victim will not been released and an autopsy will be conducted in Calgary.

For more information on water safety in the summer visit: https://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/Emergency-Services/Pages/Water-Safety-Summer.aspx.