Community mourns Lignin woman who died saving children a heroic act that underscores the importance of lifesaving skills
A community is grieving the loss of 45-year-old Michelle Curtis of Lingan, who died while saving several children pulled out to sea by a sudden riptide at MacLeod’s Beach Campsite near Inverness. The full original story was reported by SaltWire and can be read here:
Community mourns Lingan woman who died saving children
What began as a fun-filled weekend for more than 30 family and friends quickly turned into a heartbreaking tragedy—yet one marked by extraordinary courage.
A hero’s final act
Michelle’s sister, Kendra Baldwin, recalls the terrifying moment the riptide struck. About 15 children had entered the water with boogie boards, staying only knee-deep, when an unexpected surge pulled them far from shore within seconds.
“It was horrible,” Baldwin said. “The kids were waving their arms and hollering for help.”
Seven children were swept nearly 200 feet from shore, while others struggled halfway back as the current intensified. Among the children in the water were Baldwin’s own son and his friendsAnd Michelle—true to who she was—did not hesitate.
“She was the first one in the water and the first to reach the kids,” Baldwin said. “She saved them. She got them to shore.”
Michelle reached her son Harrison first, guiding him toward safety before swimming back out to help another child. Adults jumped in to assist, but the tide was powerful and relentless.
A desperate fight against the riptide
As the group worked to pull the frightened children in, Michelle began to struggle on her way back. Baldwin swam beside her, trying to keep her calm and focused.
“I kept telling her, ‘breathe, keep kicking, stay calm,’” she said.
Two men rushed into the water with a pool-noodle flotation device and wrapped it around Michelle. Once they reached the beach, however, Michelle collapsed.
A doctor and two nurses—one a close friend of the family—immediately began CPR. Emergency Health Services and two fire trucks responded, but despite every effort, Michelle passed away on the beach.
Baldwin’s voice trembles when she remembers her sister’s last moments:
“I kept telling her she was going to make it. I told her she was a hero, she saved the kids.”
Loved by her community, devoted to her family
Michelle leaves behind her husband Karl, and children Harrison, 9, and Sophie, 12. Her parents, Diane and Glenn White, described her as the family’s “rock.”
“She loved her children. She died as she worked—saving people,” her mother said.
Friends, coworkers, and community members echoed the same message: Michelle lived her life helping others. She spent 20 years working in palliative care and oncology, serving as a clinical nurse lead and a passionate advocate for patients and families.
Colleagues described her as vibrant, energetic, and deeply committed. “Her legacy will be felt for a long time,” said Dr. Anne Frances D’Intino, who worked alongside Michelle for 17 years.
Michelle was also heavily involved in community fundraisers, particularly for the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton. To many, she was the one who lifted spirits, organized events, and cared for everyone around her.
Many heroes that day
While the loss is devastating, Baldwin emphasized the tremendous teamwork involved in saving the children. She credits Chris McKinnon of River Ryan for keeping calm and guiding others, and notes that several adults suffered distress during the rescue—one even requiring hospital care before being released.
The entire campground community rallied together, but the emotional aftermath left everyone in shock.
The lifesaving importance of CPR and first aid
Michelle’s final act is a powerful reminder that emergencies unfold in seconds. Whether on the water, at home, or in a public place, knowing first aid and CPR can give someone a fighting chance.
While Michelle’s courage saved multiple children, immediate CPR from trained bystanders and medical professionals offered her the best possible care until emergency responders arrived. In many emergencies—including drownings and cardiac events—bystander CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
Investing in first aid training equips you with the skills to:
Recognize life-threatening emergencies
Provide CPR effectively
Assist during water-related incidents
Respond confidently when seconds matter
To develop these essential skills, consider enrolling in a well-rounded program such as the Standard First Aid Course offered by Calgary First Aid. This comprehensive training covers CPR, AED use, and a wide range of emergency response techniques that can help save lives in real-world situations.
Be prepared to save a life
Honouring Michelle’s bravery means learning from her selflessness. By enrolling in a first aid or CPR course, you gain the ability to step forward in moments that demand action.
Your knowledge could be the difference between life and death.
Learn more about CPR and first aid
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