Youth in distress pulled from cold, rough waters in northeastern New Brunswick

A cold, Maritime beach is pictured on Sunday, January 14, 2024. (The Canadian Press/Darren Calabrese)

New Brunswick RCMP says officers pulled a youth from rough and cold waters in Chiasson Office, N.B.

The Lemèque RCMP detachment responded to a report of a youth in mental distress at a beach in the area on June 2.

While officers were on their way, police say she entered the water.

Police reported seeing her far from the shoreline.

“The youth could no longer feel or move her arms or legs. Cpl. Sylvain Bergeron immediately entered the water and swam to the youth,” reads a news release from RCMP.

Bergeron was reportedly able to grab hold of her to stop her from drowning. Police say the youth was suffering from hypothermia by the time she was brought to the shore.

Fire and ambulance crews also attended the scene.

“The youth was treated and transported to hospital under the Mental Health Act. Cpl. Bergeron was treated at the scene for his exposure to the freezing water temperatures,” says RCMP.

Police credit Bergeron’s quick action. Sgt. Charles Dubois with the Lemèque detachment says it was “instrumental in saving this youth’s life.”

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