Calgary First Aid: Disabled Regina Man Tries to Save Drowning Friend
A tragic drowning at an apartment building swimming pool in Regina highlights how quickly water emergencies can turn fatal—and how even the bravest rescue attempts can place rescuers in serious danger.
According to a CBC News report, the incident occurred just before 2 p.m. CST on May 4, 2011, at an indoor swimming pool located near 2830 Gordon Road in Regina’s south end.
👉 Original source: Disabled Regina man tries to save drowning friend
What Happened at the Pool
A building manager told CBC News that two men were sitting poolside when one of them jumped into the deep end. Almost immediately, the man appeared to be in distress and began thrashing in the water.
Seeing his friend struggling, the second man—who uses a wheelchair—made a courageous attempt to help. He entered the pool along with his wheelchair and brought a life preserver in an effort to assist.
Unfortunately, the man in distress was panicking and did not grab the flotation device. Instead, he grabbed his rescuer, pushing the disabled man underwater during the struggle.
A Desperate Call for Help
The disabled man eventually managed to free himself, exit the pool, and crawl across the floor to reach a phone. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene immediately.
Despite their efforts, paramedics were unable to revive the man using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released, and a coroner was called to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
Lessons from This Tragic Incident
This heartbreaking event highlights several critical realities of water-related emergencies:
Drowning can occur quickly and silently
Panic can make rescue tools ineffective
Untrained rescue attempts can endanger both victims and rescuers
While CPR is a vital life-saving skill, water rescues also require proper training and awareness to avoid additional harm.
The Importance of CPR and First Aid Training
Learning CPR and AED use prepares individuals to act quickly and confidently once a drowning victim is removed from the water. Proper training helps reduce panic and improves outcomes during emergencies.
Those interested in developing these essential skills can explore CPR and AED training through Calgary First Aid.
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