Bystander saves child from drowning at Manitoba beach

A map shows the location of Delta Beach in Manitoba. (CTV News Winnipeg)

RCMP in Portage la Prairie, Man., are reminding the public to keep an eye on their children after a two-year-old boy nearly drowned at Delta Beach a week ago.

RCMP were called to the beach at approximately 6:15 p.m. on July 18. When they arrived, EMS had already responded to the scene and were treating the child.

According to RCMP, the boy was playing in the water with other children when he suddenly didn’t resurface. He was pulled from the water, not breathing.

Mounties said a 29-year-old man at the beach saw what was happening and went to help the family. He performed CPR until the child started coughing and stayed with him until EMS arrived.

“If it wasn’t for the actions of this man at the beach, the outcome would likely not have been the same,” said Staff Sgt. Darcy Turko with the Portage la Prairie RCMP in a statement. “We would like to commend and thank this bystander for his quick thinking; his actions helped save a life.”

The child will make a complete recovery, RCMP said.