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(Image Credit: File Photo/CHAT News)
Alerted by bystander

Medicine Hat firefighters rescue woman from South Saskatchewan River

Jul 10, 2026 | 9:35 AM

A woman was rescued from the South Saskatchewan River in Medicine Hat on Thursday evening after being found in distress in the water.

Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services responded at about 6:19 p.m. after a bystander alerted firefighters at Station No. 1, and a 911 call was received moments later.

Crews launched a rescue boat, located the woman in the river, and brought her safely to the nearby boat launch, where EMS and police then assessed her.

Fire officials credit the quick actions of the bystander who reported the incident for helping speed up the response.

“The person who saw her did exactly the right thing,” the representative from Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Service said.

“They were on the phone with dispatch and also came directly to the fire hall, which helped us respond even faster.”

The incident comes as a high streamflow advisory was in effect for the South Saskatchewan River.

Fire officials are reminding residents that rivers can remain dangerous even as water levels begin to recede.

“The current is very much unknown at times, so you always have to be cautious,” the representative said.

Residents are urged to stay out of the river and remain aware of changing water conditions and any current advisories.