Ottawa fire rescues two stranded paddleboarders from Deschênes Rapids
Two people caught in the rapids near Cassels Street were brought to safety Thursday by Ottawa Fire Services rescue teams called by Gatineau firefighters.
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Two paddleboarders were rescued from Deschênes Rapids near the 2700 block of Cassels Street on Thursday afternoon after Gatineau Fire Services called Ottawa Fire for assistance.
When Ottawa firefighters arrived, they found the two people in the rapids. Two rescue teams launched boats—one positioned below the rapids and one above—and a firefighter entered the water to swim to the stranded paddleboarders. Both were brought back to shore safely.
"The Deschênes Rapids remain the most frequent location for rescues by our Water Rescue Teams," officials said in a statement. "We remind everyone heading out on the water to be aware of where rapids are located and the serious dangers they can pose."
The rapids, located between Ottawa and Gatineau near Britannia Beach, have been the site of several fatal drownings and numerous rescues over the years. The area's swift currents and hidden hazards make it a persistent danger for unprepared paddlers.
The facts
How did Ottawa Fire Services rescue the stranded paddleboarders?
Ottawa Fire Services deployed two rescue teams with boats—one positioned above the rapids and one below—and sent a firefighter into the water to swim to the paddleboarders and bring them back to shore.
Why is Deschênes Rapids considered dangerous?
Deschênes Rapids has swift currents and hidden hazards that pose serious dangers to paddlers. The location between Ottawa and Gatineau near Britannia Beach has been the site of several fatal drownings and numerous rescues over the years.
