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First responders say a snowmobiler’s buoyant suit may have played a role in his successful rescue from the icy Rideau River on Ottawa’s southern edge Monday evening.
Ottawa Fire Services said the man’s husband called 911 around 5:40 p.m. to report he’d gone into the river while snowmobiling near Hebron Lane. When firefighters arrived they found the man in his 20s about six metres from shore.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said rescuers from Ottawa, North Grenville and Leeds-Grenville counties were able to reach the man and bring him to shore.
He was treated at hospital for hypothermia and later released, police said.
“Fortunately, the operator was wearing a floating suit and had been travelling with someone else who was able to call 911,” OPP said on social media.
OPP said travelling on ice is always risky and unpredictable, and this incident is a reminder of that. They recommend checking with snowmobile clubs about trail conditions and having proper gear, including snowsuits designed to float on water.
The Rideau River forms the border between Ottawa and North Grenville.