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In light of another death near Britannia Beach, Ottawa’s emergency crews are warning about the dangers of water conditions at Deschênes Rapids.
Rescue crews responded to a distress call at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, but after being rushed to hospital, a man who had been submerged was pronounced dead.
Ottawa Police have yet to identify him.
Two men were attempting to retrieve a boat that was connected to the shore with a rope. A week ago, that boat capsized and the city’s emergency crews successfully rescued two people.
When emergency crews arrived Tuesday morning, one man was on shore and another man was under water, tied up in the rope, according to Ottawa Fire Services public information officer Nick DeFazio.
DeFazio says the man had been underwater for 20-25 minutes before being rescued.
“It’s extremely dangerous,” DeFazio says of the Deschênes Rapids, just east of Britannia Beach. “It’s the number one spot (on the Ottawa River) where people get in trouble.”
The current is strong and shallow water quickly turns to deep water.
The tragic incident serves as yet another reminder for those swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding near the beach. At that point in the river, the current pulls towards the east. A push of wind can quickly put swimmers and boaters in danger.
“Residents need to be very aware of where the Deschênes Rapids are,” said DeFazio.
Last July, a 21-year-old was discovered in the water at Britannia Beach, after lifeguards had left for the evening.
The beach is currently unsupervised for swimming and boating.
From June 15-August 25, city lifeguards will be on duty from noon-7 p.m., at Britannia Beach, Mooney’s Bay Beach, Petrie East Bay and Petrie River.
kwarren@postmedia.com
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