A number of volunteers and first responders were involved with the search. (submitted photo)

By Derek Cornet

Water Rescue

Young boy in Sucker River drowns after being swept away by current

Jul 6, 2020 | 3:29 PM

It was a tragic ending for first responders July 3 who were in Sucker River after reports of a drowning.

According to La Ronge Regional Fire Department Acting-Chief Keaton Cloud, firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 2:46 p.m. after a call was received about a small child who was swept away by the current while swimming. Cloud noted the fire department deployed two water rescue technicians, who were both fitted with dry suits.

“The rescuers assisted local officials alongside the RCMP and Rangers to help locate the child,” he wrote in an email to larongenow. “At approx. 7 p.m., the boy was believed to be spotted on an underwater camera. Firefighters from the La Ronge Regional Fire Department managed to dive down and retrieve the child.”

Cloud mentioned firefighters had cleared to scene at approximately 7:30 p.m. and returned back to La Ronge. He also advises residents to stay away from the river as the water level is high and the currents are strong.

“The fire department would like to thank all community members in Sucker River for their assistance, including Lac La Ronge Indian Band Coun. Devin Bernatchez, Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, crews from Stanley Mission and Grandmother’s Bay, Canadian Rangers, RCMP and Sucker River Fire Rescue. Our firefighters want express our deepest sympathy to the family during this difficult time.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno