A 37-year-old woman was rescued by river boat after she took a 15-metre tumble off a steep river embankment early Monday night.
Red Deer Emergency Services deputy fire chief Ted Hickey said the woman took a fall around 6:25 p.m. over the embankment near Warwick Avenue in West Lake. He said bystanders prevented her from plunging into the Red Deer River.
Hickey said it was easier to take the woman by boat across the river than trying to bring her back up the embankment.
The woman was transported to Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre to be treated for minor injuries. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the incident.
The rescue mission took upwards of two hours and included about 14 EMS personnel and some RCMP officers.
The woman was unloaded at the launch at the Golden West Park boat launch.
“We want to encourage people to use the natural areas but to avoid alcohol consumption when you are out and about,” said Hickey.
“Alcohol and possible hazardous areas do not work together normally.”
Hickey added it’s that time of year when people should pay attention to the water levels because of the spring melt.
“The river flow can change quite dramatically,” said Hickey. “Please use caution when using the river itself.”
Just a few weeks ago, a 37-year-old woman suffered multiple injuries after taking a 46-metre drop down a cliff and into a ravine near a popular party spot, southeast of Canyon Ski Hill.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com