Officer Who Tried to Save Lac Leamy Drowning Victim Stresses the Importance of CPR Training

Emergencies happen without warning, and the actions taken in the first few minutes can determine whether someone lives or dies. A tragic drowning incident at Lac Leamy has once again highlighted why CPR training is so important—and why every bystander should be prepared to step in and help.

An off-duty Ottawa police officer who tried to save a young man from drowning is now urging the public to learn CPR, after witnessing several people stand by and do nothing during a critical moment.

“Whatever it is that you do, go help,” the officer said. “Because you could make a difference.”

A Tragic Incident at Lac Leamy

Det.-Const. Hussein Assaad was spending time at Lac Leamy with family and friends when they suddenly heard people screaming for help. Without hesitation, they ran toward the shoreline.

There, a 24-year-old man was lying unconscious on the ground after being pulled from the lake. According to Assaad, the young man had likely been submerged in the water for 10 to 15 minutes before anyone found him.

A bystander had already started mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in an attempt to help.

Using CPR Training When Seconds Matter

Relying on his professional training, Assaad quickly assessed the situation and instructed the bystander to stop mouth-to-mouth breathing. Instead, he began performing chest compressions, which are a critical part of effective CPR.

“Instead of doing mouth-to-mouth, I gave him compressions,” Assaad explained. “Every compression that I would do, water would gush out of his mouth.”

This moment clearly demonstrated why proper CPR training matters. Knowing when and how to perform compressions can significantly improve a victim’s chances of survival until emergency responders arrive.

Bystanders Watching Instead of Helping

While some people rushed forward to help, Assaad noticed others nearby who did nothing.

“It was a little disappointing,” he said. “There were people sitting on the rocks who didn’t even move. They just watched.”

He emphasized that in emergencies like this, everyone has a role to play. Even calling for help, directing others, or starting CPR can make a meaningful difference.

“When something like this happens, we as a society have to put our hands together and go help,” Assaad said.

A Heartbreaking Outcome

Assaad continued performing CPR until on-duty police officers and paramedics arrived and took over. The victim was transported to hospital, but tragically, he passed away the following day.

“I wish he had made it,” Assaad said. “I’m a father, so I felt horrible for his mom and dad. I was hoping everything would have turned out differently.”

Despite the heartbreaking outcome, Assaad believes the experience carries an important message for the public.

“People need to take CPR courses,” he said. “It gives someone a fighting chance to survive.”

For full details and original reporting on this incident, you can read the complete article published by CBC News here:

👉Officer who tried to save Lac Leamy drowning victim says CPR training important

Learn How You Can Help

Emergencies like this happen every day—in lakes, workplaces, homes, and public spaces. Knowing CPR gives everyday people the skills and confidence to act instead of standing by.

Learning CPR:

Helps keep blood flowing to vital organs
Improves survival chances during cardiac arrest or drowning
Prepares you to act calmly under pressure
Allows you to help family members, coworkers, or strangers

You want to be Prepared to help in a life-threatening situation consider enrolling in CPR and AED training through Winnipeg First Aid.

Additional CPR Resources

For more information about CPR and lifesaving techniques, visit:

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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