Fire Dept. water rescue -- LNN file photo

By Dori Modney/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Lethbridge Fire Services called to evening drowning on Oldman River

Jun 15, 2021 | 2:03 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge fire, emergency services and police responded around 7 p.m. Monday to a 911 call reporting a person had entered the river near Popson Park and did not surface.

Crews from two stations, along with the Zodiac rescue boat were dispatched to locate the 42-year-old woman, who was reported missing after being separated from friends she was swimming with.

According to witnesses the Lethbridge woman, whose identity is not being released, had floated away from the group and appeared to have difficulty with the current. Her friends tried to reach her but lost sight of her a short time later. One of them climbed the bank of the nearby coulee until he had cellphone reception and called for help.

Fire paramedics entered the river near the Paradise Canyon Golf Course to recover the victim. Unfortunately, crews were unable to resuscitate the victim.

An autopsy has been ordered by the medical examiner’s office.

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Emergency Services notes this is a sobering reminder of the dangers of the river. Residents are reminded to always use extreme caution in and around the river.

For more information on water safety in the summer visit lethbridge.ca.