Officers Honoured for Heroic Rescue After Tragic Storm on Lac La Biche
Two Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers, Sam Pidwerbeski and Tyler Mann, were recognized for extraordinary bravery after rescuing two young boys swept away during a violent storm on Lac La Biche. Their efforts, taken in some of the roughest conditions they had ever faced, saved one child’s life and showed remarkable courage under pressure.
This incident was first reported by CBC News. You can read the full original story here:
➡️ ‘Humbling beyond words’: Officers recognized for pulling boys from freezing Alberta lake
A Rescue in Freezing, Violent Waters
On September 1, a sudden storm struck the Poplar Point area on the eastern edge of Lac La Biche. Two boys—eight and thirteen years old—had been paddling when powerful winds pushed their canoe far from shore. Their family quickly lost sight of them and called for help.
When Pidwerbeski and Mann arrived, the lake was thrashing with six-foot waves. Despite the danger, they launched their boat without hesitation.
First Boy Pulled From the Waves
In the middle of the lake, they spotted the 13-year-old struggling to stay afloat.
Pidwerbeski threw a rope bag toward him and hauled him through freezing water to the rescue boat. The boy was shivering, barely responsive, and slipping into hypothermia.
They rushed him to shore and handed him over to medical crews before heading back out to search for the younger child.
Heartbreaking Second Rescue
Moments later, Mann spotted the blue-and-yellow life jacket of the eight-year-old. As they approached, a wave pushed the child farther away. Mann put the boat in neutral and stretched out to grab the boy’s life jacket while Pidwerbeski held him steady.
Despite violent waves battering the boat, Mann began CPR immediately after pulling the child aboard. They raced back to shore, but tragically, the boy could not be revived.
Recognition and Reflection
For their bravery, both officers received the bronze medal of bravery from the Royal Canadian Humane Association.
“It’s humbling beyond words,” Pidwerbeski said. “We don’t do what we do because we want recognition. It’s our job.”
He expressed gratitude for the support he’s received—and continues to think of the family who lost their son.
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