Two individuals who were involved in a car accident that led to their SUV submerging in the Rideau River on Friday morning were successfully rescued by bystanders who promptly intervened. The incident occurred at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Walkley Road near Mooney’s Bay around 5:50 a.m., as confirmed by Ottawa paramedics.
Following the single-vehicle collision, emergency services were quick to respond, with the SUV ending up in the water. Fortunately, both occupants managed to reach the shore safely and were promptly assessed by paramedics before being discharged on-site.
Upon arriving at the scene around 6 a.m. on Friday, CBC News observed a lengthy silver pole on the road alongside boats marked “Ottawa Fire” on the water. Lesley Tomlinson, who was out for a morning run, recounted hearing the screeching sound of the car before witnessing the SUV lose control, collide with a light pole, and plunge into the river.
Tomlinson, along with two other individuals who came forward to assist, played a crucial role in the rescue operation. A nearby resident promptly called emergency services, while another woman from a trailing vehicle jumped into the water to aid the occupants of the sinking SUV.
Tomlinson, drawing on her past experience as a lifeguard, sprang into action, instructing the distressed passenger on water safety protocols to ensure their safe retrieval. With a calm demeanor, she guided the passenger to safety, emphasizing the importance of adhering to lifeguard procedures during such emergencies.
Reflecting on the incident with CBC News, Tomlinson stressed the collaborative effort involved in the rescue, highlighting the initial intervention of the courageous woman who first entered the water. She later shared the incident with her students, underscoring the significance of possessing basic swimming skills for unforeseen circumstances.
Authorities confirmed on Saturday that the submerged SUV had been successfully recovered from the Rideau River. The collective efforts of the bystanders and emergency responders averted a potential tragedy, emphasizing the critical role of water safety awareness and basic swimming abilities in emergency situations.
