Emergency crews were called out after a canoe capsized, throwing two men into the frigid waters on the Red Deer River near Dickson Dam on Wednesday.
Shortly before 1 p.m., Innisfail RCMP were dispatched to a 911 call after two men who had been canoeing and fishing got into trouble downstream of the dam in Red Deer County.
Police say the two men went overboard after their canoe hit a dead fall in the river.
An elderly man who was thrown into the water subsequently lost his life jacket. The other male managed to get to shore and tell people nearby.
Innisfail RCMP, coordinating with Red Deer County officers and Innisfail Fire and Rescue, rushed to the scene where they commenced a water rescue. Innisfail Fire Department deployed their river boat. “Luckily the missing male barely managed to get to shore further downstream,” said a news release on Wednesday.
Police say that individuals got him to safety and a waiting ambulance. No serious injuries were reported. RCMP are reminding all boaters and floaters to be vigilant and aware of all water risks and be properly prepared. Safety should always be the priority.
Currently the rivers are all high and there is considerable debris associated to that high flow rate, say police.