Stock photo of the RDES air boat on the Red Deer River. (Red Deer Emergency Services)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

lucky that help was available

Man falls through ice on Red Deer River, rescued by RDES

Apr 11, 2023 | 7:24 PM

Less than a week after The City of Red Deer issued a safety warning about thin ice, Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) had to rescue someone off the river.

It was a busy weekend for RDES, with five structure fires, two cases of vehicles hitting structures, and it was all capped off Monday near Bower Ponds.

It was about 3:45 p.m. when members responded to an area of the Red Deer River, near a small island between Bower Ponds and Capstone.

“We received a call from bystanders that there was a male in distress in the water,” says Matt White, Acting Deputy Chief. “We deployed our water rescue team, including our river fan boat, swift water techs, and shore support team. The fan boat was able to rescue the male, deliver him to EMS on shore, and he was taken to hospital.”

White confirms the man was walking on what appeared to be a stable ice shelf, before falling through into the icy water.

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Waterways around the city may appear to have stable ice that is walkable, but don’t be fooled, he urges.

Again, The City is advising people to stay off the very much not frozen waterways.

“As springtime melt increases upstream, water levels can fluctuate rapidly, and sections of waterways can be at risk of localized flooding,” a City release from April 8 states. “As such, any body of water can pose a serious risk to people and pets. Residents are asked to please obey signs and barricades, which have been placed in unsafe areas. It is also recommended to keep pets close to ensure their safety.”

These conditions can exist well into the early summer months, and caution should be taken even after the last traces of snow melt away, adds The City.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Man falls through ice on Red Deer River, rescued by RDES

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