Sometimes it takes a team to save a life

April 13, 2014, will forever mark a memorable practice for the Abreast with FORTitude dragon boat team. The team, made up of breast cancer survivors, were midway through a practice when their coach and steersperson heard a man cry for help from the fast-flowing waters of the Fraser River in British Columbia. They quickly jumped to action and paddled fiercely upstream for over 500 metres to reach the man in time. When they were close enough, they threw their extra PFD and a life bag to him and towed him to the safety of a nearby dock.

A bystander was able to call 911 and paramedics were on hand by the time they arrived at shore. With the rescue complete, the team went back to their practice.

Without the amazing actions of these athletes, the outcome could have been tragic. Their quick thinking and knowledge of what needed to be done proved to be the difference in this rescue.

"I am very proud of my teammates and that is why I nominated them for this award,” said team member Cindy Reimer. “I am so impressed that we stayed calm and did not panic, we listened to our coach and steersperson and did our best to get to the man as quickly as we could to help him."

On a warm and sunny evening in July, the Canadian Red Cross presented all members of Abreast with FORTitude with Red Cross Rescuer Awards at their club dock in Fort Langley, B.C. The entire team, together with their friends, families and supporters, as well as the mayor and other elected officials were on hand to cheer on the team and applaud their heroics.

The team is headed to Italy in September to compete in the World Dragon Boat Championships. Good luck, ladies!

On September 13, 2014, the Red Cross plans celebrate World First Aid Day by presenting the Canadian Red Cross Rescuer Award, sponsored by Walmart, to many more individuals and groups for going out of their way to save a life, prevent further injury and/or provide comfort to the injured. 

You can nominate yourself or someone else by completing the Red Cross Rescuer Award form or sending an email to feedback@redcross.ca.