Drowning kids at Alberta lake saved by bystanders
Posted Aug 9, 2021 1:20 pm.
INNISFAIL – Bystanders at a lake in central Alberta are being credited with saving the lives of two kids who nearly drowned.
Mounties in Innisfail say they were called to Glennifer Lake around 2:15 on July 31 for reports of a near-drowning.
The call to 911 told officers two kids were in the lake and started to struggle–and that’s when people on the beach jumped into action.
RELATED: Family of drowned man urges safety around water, drownings up in Alberta
Bystanders were able to grab the kids and bring them back to shore. Both were taken to hospitals in Calgary and treated.
Those whose quick thinking saved kids out on the water are being recommended for a St. John’s Life Saver Award.
This situation ended better than over 20 others have this summer in Alberta.
Drownings in the province are up, and the RCMP is using this as an opportunity to reissue a warning about water safety.
RELATED: ‘Concerning number already’: RCMP urge water safety as provincial drowning death toll rises
“While people are enjoying the hot weather and the outdoor activities our beautiful community provides, it is critical to understand the risk factors involved in some summer activities. A lake may look calm, but conditions like water temperature, wind, and currents can change rapidly,” said Staff Sergeant Chris Matechuk.
“Thankfully, in this case when the swimmers started to struggle, witnesses were able to intervene and they came to the young swimmers’ aid quickly. Their actions prevented an unnecessary tragedy.”
