Person in Distress - University Bridge

At approximately 2:52 p.m. on July 19, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received internal radio communication from the Saskatoon Police Service alerting to a person in distress on the University Bridge. One fire engine, two water rescue units, one battalion chief, and one public affairs official were committed to this incident. 

Both water rescue units were deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River from an emergency boat launch and positioned in the area of the University Bridge. Members of the Saskatoon Police Service were observed to be communicating with an adult male when he entered the water; a firefighter trained in surface water rescue immediately initiated a rescue, securing the individual and bringing him into the boat. The adult male was transported to hospital by ground ambulance for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Firefighters have since removed the water rescue units from the South Saskatchewan River and returned to their stations to continue serving the residents and visitors of Saskatoon.