Newcomer to Regina Rescues Man From Drowning, Attempts to Save Another

A newcomer to Canada is being recognized for his courageous actions after helping rescue a man from drowning and attempting to save another at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park. The incident serves as a powerful reminder of how vital CPR and AED training can be when seconds matter.

From Barbecue to Emergency

Mohamed Elzeldin Mohamed had been in Canada for just one month when his quiet Saturday afternoon turned into a life-or-death situation. On July 28, Mohamed was at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park with friends, enjoying a barbecue, when they suddenly heard a woman screaming for help.

Without hesitation, the group ran toward the beach. What they saw was alarming—two men in the water, clearly struggling and in urgent need of assistance.

“We saw two men in drastic need of help,” Mohamed said. “I can swim, but not perfectly, so I tried what I could.”

Immediate Action Saves One Life

Despite not being a strong swimmer, Mohamed and his friends entered the water to help. One of the men was still moving when they reached him. With quick thinking and the help of a bystander on a jet ski, they were able to bring him safely to shore.

The second man, however, had become tangled in a net and was unable to free his legs. By the time the first victim was rescued, the 35-year-old Regina resident had sunk beneath the surface.

CPR Given While Waiting for Emergency Services

When the second man was pulled from the water, 911 was called immediately. Police arrived approximately 15 minutes later, followed by STARS Air Ambulance. CPR was administered in an effort to save his life.

Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, the man could not be revived.

“It was not enough to save him,” Mohamed said.

Mohamed, a pharmacist by trade, explained that without access to a defibrillator, there was little more he could do while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Why CPR and AED Training Matters

This tragic incident highlights several critical realities:

Emergencies can happen anywhere, even during everyday activities
Bystanders are often the first to respond
CPR and AED training can help keep someone alive until professional help arrives
Access to lifesaving equipment is especially important in busy public spaces

Mohamed later emphasized that provincial parks should have emergency responders and lifesaving equipment readily available, particularly on weekends during the summer months.

“I feel it’s a duty for every capable person to help whenever needed,” he said, “especially if that help may save another human life.”

Be Prepared to Help

While not every emergency ends the same way, having CPR and AED training gives people the confidence and skills to act quickly and effectively. Learning how to respond in emergencies—especially drowning and cardiac events—can make a life-saving difference.

For full details about this incident, you can read the original CBC News article here:
👉 Newcomer to Regina rescues man from drowning, attempts to save another

Learn More

You can also learn more about CPR and emergency response through these trusted resources:

About The Author

Mark Kascha

Certified First Aid Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of real-world experience, including lifeguarding, workplace emergency response, and first aid program development across Canada. Has worked with WorkSafeBC, WSIB, and Manitoba Health.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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