Timmins firefighters rescue dog stranded among the rapids

Firefighters rescued a dog Sept. 17 that was left stranded when kayaks overturned among the rapids in High Falls in the Timmins area.

Two people were paddling down the Grassy River along with their dog when the kayaks overturned, the Timmins Fire Department said in a news release Thursday.

“Due to the challenging location and swift current, the pair were unable to reach the stranded animal and called the fire department for assistance,” the release said.

“Technical rescuers from Station 5 responded and developed a plan to safely rescue the dog from the river. The two individuals had minor injuries and did not require further medical attention.”

The incident is a reminder of the importance of water safety, the release said, and especially to always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device.

Have an emergency kit and stay within your skill level by avoiding advanced-level rapids, police added.