Man and dog treated for hypothermia after falling through ice on Ottawa River

A man and his dog were rescued from the Ottawa River after falling through the ice in Orleans on Saturday morning.

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Ottawa Fire spokesperson Nick Defazio told CTV News the incident occured around 10:45 a.m. just north of Terranova Drive and Champlain Street, near François Dupont Park. Rescue crews arrived at the scene around 11 a.m.

The man and the dog were safely pulled out of the water by ice-rescue technicians around 11:15 a.m.

Ottawa Paramedics spokesperson Neil Martin told CTV News they received the call just before 11:10 a.m. and treated an adult male with hypothermia. The man was taken to hospital by EMS and is said to be in stable condition.

Residents began to warm up the dog while the man was being assessed.

Ottawa firefighter Frank Brunet is the one who rescued the man and the dog. Initially, they were able to get the man out with a rope, but the dog got on top of him.

"At that point, his dog walked over and got on him and he broke through the ice so we had to go into the water and get the victim and the dog," said Brunet.

Ottawa Police are reminding the public to be cautious near icy waters.

"Although this was a positive outcome, the public is reminded to please be extremely cautious, as ice conditions can change rapidly," police said on X.

Ottawa Fire says the 9-1-1 caller who witnessed the incident "did the right thing" by not trying to make the rescue and by telling the person to keep their arms across the ledge and to stop moving.

"Every time they tried to get out, the ice kept breaking around them," Ottawa Fire said on social media.

Ottawa Fire recently released a video giving residents tips on how to safely and effectively assist a person who falls through ice.

"With the changing weather in Ottawa, it’s a very dangerous time to be out on the ice," said Nick Defazio.

"If you’re walking your dog, keep them on a leash. If your dog happens to venture out, we never want you to go out and make a rescue."

Temperatures in the capital are expected to remain mild this coming week, increasing the need to be vigilant near rivers and lakes.