Winkler-area woman saves son carried away by fast-flowing creek

A four-year-old boy is in stable condition in hospital after being pulled out of a creek by his mother near the family’s home southeast of Winkler.

RCMP say the child and his older brother wandered from their yard toward the creek just before 5 p.m. Monday.

The younger boy was playing on the ice and snow on the water’s edge when it gave way, causing him to fall into the fast-moving water.

Police say the older sibling ran to get their mother, who rushed to help the child. After initially losing sight of the boy, she found him downstream, where the current had carried him through a culvert.

The mother, who doesn’t know how to swim, jumped in the creek, and with help of a neighbour, pulled the boy onto land.

RCMP say the mother began CPR and revived her son while another neighbour called 911.

“The mom’s instincts to react quickly and risk her own well-being by jumping into the cold water probably saved her son’s life,” said Cpl. Melanie Roussel.

“We’re thankful that this incident did not end in tragedy for this family.”

The child, who was alert, was treated at the scene before being airlifted to a Winnipeg hospital.

RCMP said Manitobans should stay away from waterways during the spring thaw because melting ice and rising water levels create dangerous conditions.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca