Quick-thinking pair praised after rescue of 87-year-old woman from water near Gananoque

A Gananoque woman and her son are being credited for their quick actions after helping to rescue an 87-year-old woman found floating in the water off Jackstraw Lane.

In response to inquiries from Brockvilleist, OPP Regional Media and Communications Coordinator Ashley Taylor says emergency crews responded to a water rescue at about 4:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, off after a resident spotted what appeared to be a person floating in the water.

Believing the individual was in distress, the resident alerted her son, who immediately launched a personal watercraft and brought an extra life jacket to help.

Taylor says the man reached the woman and attempted to lift her onto the Sea-Doo, but was unable to do so safely on his own. He remained with her in the water until fire crews arrived with rescue boats.

The woman was brought safely to shore and turned over to paramedics. She was reportedly conscious, alert and responsive when she was rescued and was taken to a local hospital as a precaution for further assessment.

“The OPP would like to recognize the quick actions of the resident and her son, whose efforts helped ensure the individual received assistance until emergency responders arrived.” Taylor said.