Firefighter rescued from Niagara River
A Niagara Falls firefighter had to be rescued from the lower Niagara River Saturday.
At about 1 p.m., Niagara Parks Police and Niagara Regional Police were called to the area of the lower Niagara River gorge in Niagara Falls following the report of a 16-year-old male in distress in the swift waters in the vicinity of the whirlpool.
In the course of the rescue, a Niagara Falls firefighter decided to use his quick release to come off-rope while assisting the male, said Niagara Parks Police in a news release.
He was subsequently picked up by Niagara Regional Police’s marine unit downstream and taken to hospital by Niagara Emergency Medical Services for assessment.
The other male was pulled from the rock he was stranded on by the Niagara Parks Police high-angle rescue team, with the assistance of Niagara Helicopters, and taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Niagara Parks Police said members of the public are welcome to enjoy the natural and scenic environment the Niagara River gorge trail system has to offer but are reminded to:
Stay on marked trails; hike in daylight and with a friend; wear suitable shoes and clothing; bring a cellular telephone; tell someone where they are going; bring water and energy bars; know your physical limits; check weather conditions prior to hiking; do not permit animals to be at large; do not enter the waters of the lower Niagara River; and leave the grounds in its pristine natural state after your visit.