Police, fire & paramedics were tiered by 911 Communicators to the inner harbour near the Marine & Rail Museum after receiving a call that a man was experiencing difficulty in the frigid water.
At 12:23 p.m. on Sunday, June 12 th witnesses observed a fully clothed man to leap from the west harbour wall and swim away from the shore. After a short time in the water, the swimmer appeared to be in trouble. Concerned for his safety, the witnesses located a nearby life ring and threw it to the man’s aid, constantly encouraging him to focus on the life ring and grab on.
Eventually the 49-year old was successfully pulled towards the harbour wall, and was plucked from the water by members of Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services. He was subsequently transported by paramedics to Owen Sound hospital and treated for hyperthermia.
Attending officer, Constable Nick Houston advises “If not for the quick actions and support from these witnesses, the man may have become a drowning casualty. We are all very, very proud of their leadership and life-saving efforts”.
Alcohol was not a factor.