A dramatic rescue took place at Whiteswan Lake this past weekend when a five-year old boy was trapped in a submerged vehicle.
It began with the driver losing control of a vehicle on the Whiteswan Forest Service Road on Saturday, August 3. The vehicle ended up in Whiteswan Lake.
Kimberley RCMP Cpl. Chris Newel reports that the vehicle was driven by the mother of the boy and there was a 16-year old female passenger as well.
“The female driver and another occupant were able to free themselves from the vehicle and swim to shore,” Newel said. “The five year boy remained restrained in the vehicle.”
However, two brothers from Lethbridge and Turner Valley AB, were in the area and immediately rendered assistance.
“They jumped into the water and after several attempts were able free the young boy.”
Newel says he has no information on exactly how they managed to free him.
“The vehicle was reported to be five to seven feet below the surface and the boy was submerged for five to 15 minutes,” he said. “Once on shore others assisted in administering CPR.”
The boy was rushed to East Kootenay Regional Hospital and then transferred to Children’s Hospital in Calgary where he is reported to be doing very well, Newel says.
“Police and the family are very thank full of those that helped out. Without the brothers’ quick response it’s likely the outcome would have been tragic. We want to recognize them for their quick action.
“The young boy is making good progress in Calgary, but the father advises there are several medical tests still to be done before he will be released.”