Police Seek Good Samaritan Who Helped Save Drowning Woman at Vanier Pool
A courageous Good Samaritan and a rookie police officer worked together to save a woman from drowning at an Ottawa apartment complex pool—an act of bravery that police say likely saved her life.
According to an article originally reported by CBC News, Ottawa police are hoping to identify and thank a young man who rushed into the water without hesitation to help during the emergency. The original CBC report can be read Police seek Good Samaritan who came to aid of drowning woman.
First on Scene to a Life-Threatening Emergency
On July 29, Ottawa police Constable Laura Monette—who had been on the force for less than a year—was patrolling the Vanier neighbourhood when she received a call about a possible drowning at an indoor swimming pool.
When Constable Monette arrived, she found a woman submerged at the bottom of the pool, approximately three metres below the surface. Realizing every second mattered, she quickly removed her protective vest and gun belt and prepared to jump into the water.
At that moment, a young man approached her and said he would also enter the pool to help with the rescue.
A Brave Rescue Under Difficult Conditions
Constable Monette, described by the Ottawa Police Service as a strong swimmer, immediately faced difficulty in the water.
“I was weighted down by my boots and pocket contents,” Monette explained. “It definitely made it harder for me to get to the woman.”
As Monette resurfaced briefly to catch her breath, the Good Samaritan reached the woman first and began pulling her toward the surface. Together, they handed her to bystanders on the pool deck, who pulled her out of the water. Monette instructed them to turn the woman onto her side.
Monette then climbed out using a ladder and rushed to provide care.
Immediate CPR Saved Her Life
By the time the woman was removed from the water, she had been submerged for several minutes. She was turning blue, foaming at the mouth, and had no detectable pulse.
Without hesitation, Constable Monette began performing CPR until paramedics arrived and took over advanced life-saving treatment. Police believe the woman survived because of the fast actions taken before emergency crews arrived.
This incident highlights why CPR training is so important. Knowing how to respond quickly during emergencies—especially drowning situations—can mean the difference between life and death. Professional CPR and AED training, such as the courses offered by Winnipeg First Aid, help prepare people to act confidently in real-life emergencies.
A Hero Who Slipped Away
During the chaos of the rescue, the Good Samaritan quietly left the scene.
“When I looked around for him, he was gone,” Monette said. “I didn’t get his name, but I wanted to tell him he was so brave. She probably wouldn’t be alive if he hadn’t acted when he did.”
Ottawa police continue to ask the public for help in identifying the young man so they can properly thank him for his life-saving actions.
What Led to the Drowning
Witnesses told police the woman was a weak swimmer. She had been standing with a friend in the shallow end of the pool when she lost her footing. Her friend attempted to help using a pole, but the woman slipped underwater and did not resurface.
A Strong Reminder About First Aid and CPR
Constable Monette encouraged anyone witnessing an emergency to take control of the situation.
“Tell someone to call 911 and then start rescue efforts,” she said. “Even if you’re unsure, doing something is better than doing nothing.”
Early first aid and CPR can significantly improve outcomes while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Learn More About First Aid and CPR
Learning CPR and first aid gives everyday people the skills needed to respond during emergencies like drowning incidents. For more information, explore these trusted resources:
Healthline – CPR First Aid Guide
https://www.healthline.com/health/first-aid/cprWikipedia – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiopulmonary_resuscitationWebMD – CPR Treatment Overview
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-cpr-treatment
You can also learn practical, hands-on skills by enrolling in certified CPR and first aid courses through Winnipeg First Aid, helping you stay prepared when emergencies happen.
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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