The Red River can be a ruthless body of water at the best of times. Factor in the darkness of night, higher than normal water levels and swirling currents with the stress of a life on the line, and the Red becomes downright deadly.
None of that, however, dissuaded River Patrol Officers Ray Duma and Alexander Zapotochny from returning to duty shortly after their shift ended on June 28, 2023. They were called back to work to provide support from the water following a frantic 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Centre call about a man in distress on the Redwood Bridge.
They’re credited with saving a life that evening and were recognized for their efforts at the Lifesaving Society Awards Night, held June 23, 2024, at the Lieutenant Governors’ Government House.
“We are fortunate to have the training and equipment to assist in situations like these,” said Duma. “I’m just glad we were able to get everyone back to shore as safely as possible with no loss of life.”
Upon arriving at the scene about 11:30 p.m., the officers spotted the individual on the wrong side of the bridge railing. Despite efforts by the police officers on the bridge to intervene, the person jumped into the murky waters below.
Officer Duma piloted their boat towards where the individual had fallen while Officer Zapotochny scanned the water. Spotting the person briefly resurfacing, Zapotochny jumped into the water to secure them before they could submerge again. His auto-inflate Personal Floatation Device activated, providing buoyancy for both.
“It was just instinctual, and I resorted to my training, years of swimming lessons in this rescue,” said Zapotchny, who ended up 200 metres downstream from where he went into the water. “I knew I just needed to swim to shore to get the individual and myself to safety!”
The individual was uncooperative, making it impossible for Officer Zapotochny to lift them into the boat. He decided to swim towards the riverbank, with Officer Duma providing guidance and support. They reached the shore, where police and other first responders helped remove the person from the water before they were transferred to a waiting ambulance.
“The brave actions of Officers Duma and Zapotochny undoubtedly saved a life that night,” said Dr. Christopher Love, Water Smart & Safety Management Coordinator for the Lifesaving Society Manitoba.
In recognition of their courage and lifesaving efforts, both officers, who had previously received Lifesaving Society training, were honoured with M.G. Griffiths Awards.
The M.G. Griffiths Plaque is the highest Canadian rescue award given by the Lifesaving Society. It acknowledges significant acts of bravery while performing an exceptional rescue, by an individual who has been taught rescue methods through the Society’s proficiency award program.
This award is named in honour of M.G. Griffiths, who was a pioneer in the Royal Life Saving Society and instrumental in the introduction of the Canadian alternatives to the rescue procedures.