WFPS rescue man from the Assiniboine River

One person was taken to hospital in critical condition on Sunday after the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) conducted a water rescue on the Assiniboine River.

WFPS was first called to the incident on Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

When the rescuers arrived at the scene, they found a person who was being carried by the current towards the Red River. WFPS brought the man to shore using water rescue equipment.

Ambulance workers examined and treated the citizen who was brought to the hospital in critical condition.

The City of Winnipeg says it is not yet known how the man got into the water or how long he had been there.

Winnipeggers are reminded to use caution in all waterways, including drainage ditches, culverts, creeks, streams, reservoirs and rivers.

Parents, guardians are asked by educators to talk to children about the dangers of playing in or near a body of water, especially if the child is old enough to be unsupervised.

The City of Winnipeg also offers the following water safety alerts:

• All waterways should be considered dangerous;
• Dogs must be kept on a leash around waterways;
• Diving puts you at risk, but it also puts first responders at risk; and
• If you see someone in distress in the water, call 911 and follow up. Do not follow them.

In 2023, WFPS responded to 150 water rescue calls.