On May 21, 2017, at approximately 5:30 p.m., members of the Rocky Mountain House RCMP detachment were conducting a pro-active patrol on the North Saskatchewan River in a police jet boat as part of the May Long Weekend Joint Task Force Operation.

During the patrol, the officers observed a small inflatable boat with an adult male and female capsize in a dangerous section of the river.

The male was not wearing a life preserver and the female was wearing one that was too large for her body size.

Both individuals were struggling in the rapids and their safety was in jeopardy in the fast water and current.

The male was desperately trying to hang onto the female who was also being pulled under due to the weight.

Fortunately, the lady was able to keep the life preserver on long enough to stay above water.

RCMP members quickly recognized the peril faced by the submerged boaters and quickly maneuvered the police boat into position and rescued both individuals who are local residents of Rocky Mountain House.

Neither received any serious injuries. Alcohol was not a factor in the incident.

The RCMP would like to remind recreational users of the rivers and lakes to always wear approved life preservers which are properly fitted and to familiarize themselves with the hazards of being on the waterways.