Wedding Day Turns Tragic in Tofino: A Heartbreaking Reminder of Why CPR Training Matters
A B.C. woman’s wedding day became the most heartbreaking day of her life after her mother, Ann Wittenberg, died in a tragic accident at Tofino’s Long Beach—despite fast bystander action and CPR efforts.
📄 Original news report:
Read the full Vancouver Sun article
A Morning of Surfing Ends in Disaster
On the morning of her daughter Victoria Emon’s wedding, 52-year-old Ann Wittenberg set out with her daughter Rachel to enjoy the waves at Long Beach. They had traveled from Ottawa to celebrate Victoria’s big day, choosing Tofino for its wide beaches and surf culture.
According to Victoria, her mother had been excited to go surfing. Ann and Rachel were floating together on a surfboard, chatting and enjoying the morning, when a strong current suddenly pulled Ann away from the board. Rachel managed to remain on the board and immediately called out for help.
Bystanders Rushed In
People on the beach quickly responded, rushing into the water to pull both women back to shore. Once Ann was brought onto the sand, bystanders immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Paramedics arrived shortly afterward, taking over CPR before transporting her to the hospital.
Despite everyone’s efforts, Ann did not survive.
Victoria shared that her sister was unharmed, adding, “My mom looked after her. My mom made sure she was OK.”
Tofino RCMP confirmed they received a report of a woman in distress around 10:30 a.m. and said foul play was not suspected.
A Family’s Heartbreak
Ann had flown to Tofino just two days earlier to celebrate her daughter’s wedding. Victoria shared that her mom was “a little ball of energy,” always loving and supportive. Just months before the tragedy, Ann had celebrated her own wedding.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Victoria decided to proceed with her ceremony later that afternoon—a difficult but deeply personal decision.
“Mom would have wanted me to,” she said.
Before the ceremony, Victoria kept looking for her mother, still trying to accept that she was gone. As she walked down the aisle, the clouds parted and the sun broke through—a moment she believes was a sign from her mom.
“She was there with us,” she said. “She just shone through the sky.”
A Powerful Lesson in Emergency Preparedness
While this tragedy could not have been foreseen, it highlights an important truth: emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere—even on what should be the happiest of days.
Immediate, effective CPR can significantly increase a person’s chances of survival during cardiac arrest or drowning-related emergencies. In Ann’s case, bystanders acted quickly and did everything they could. Their efforts reflect the importance of having these skills widely taught in the community.
Knowing CPR gives ordinary people the ability to step in when every second matters.
If you want to be ready to help in an emergency, consider taking a CPR and AED training course. Calgary First Aid offers comprehensive, hands-on programs designed to give you confidence and skill when it counts most:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Why CPR and First Aid Training Matters
Whether at the beach, at home, or in public spaces, training helps you:
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Recognize early signs of distress
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Respond quickly and safely
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Perform CPR effectively
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Provide critical support until help arrives
You never know when you may be needed.
Learn How to Save a Life
If this story moved you—as it has many—consider learning CPR or first aid. These skills empower you to act in emergencies and potentially change the outcome for someone’s loved one.
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