Paramedics say 26-year-old man suffered serious injuries after the personal watercraft he was operating collided with an anchored boat in Constance Bay late Saturday evening.
Ottawa police, fire crews and paramedics were called to the area near Lane St. and Bayview Dr. in Constance Bay around 11:45 p.m.
Paramedics say the crash happened about 75 metres from shore. They say the 26-year-old man who was driving a Jet Ski style personal watercraft was thrown into the water when his machine collided with a parked boat.
They say there was a bonfire on the beach at the time, from where several people witnessed the collision. Friends ran into the water to search for the man in extremely low visibility.
Paramedics say the victim was located when one of his friends stepped on him under between four and six feet of water. They say one of the rescuers had lifeguard training, and used a paddle board to protect the victim’s spine as he was taken out of the water.
Paramedics credit the quick actions of his friends who swam out to pull the victim in from under the water with likely saving his life.
Paramedics say the man was not wearing a life jacket. It is not known if alcohol was a factor.
The young man was treated for head injuries consistent with a concussion. He was in serious but stable condition upon arrival to hospital.
Ottawa police are investigating the incident.
