A sunny afternoon at Delta Beach nearly turned tragic last Friday, July 18th, when a 2-year-old boy disappeared beneath the water while playing with other children. Thanks to the fast and calm response of a beachgoer nearby, the child is expected to make a full recovery.
The incident happened around 6:15 p.m. when the young boy failed to resurface during a swim. Witnesses quickly realized something was wrong, and moments later, he was pulled from the water unresponsive.
Among those nearby was a 29-year-old man who rushed over to help the family. Without hesitation, he began performing CPR, and after several tense moments, the child began to cough and breathe again.
Emergency medical responders arrived shortly after and continued treatment. The child was taken to the hospital in stable condition as a precaution.
“If it weren’t for the actions of this man at the beach, the outcome would likely not have been the same,” says Portage la Prairie RCMP Staff Sergeant Darcy Turko. “We would like to commend and thank this bystander for his quick thinking because his actions helped save a life.”
The event serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly things can change around water, especially when young children are involved. Officials are urging families to stay alert while enjoying Manitoba’s lakes and beaches.
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