Lifesaving Efforts by Beachgoers in Port Stanley Save Man

On the afternoon of July 28, 2023, beachgoers and first responders in Port Stanley worked together to rescue a man who was in distress in the water. The incident unfolded at Little Beach when a woman noticed that the man had slipped off his flotation device and was not moving.

Andrea VanWilligen, who was enjoying the beach with her nephew, observed the man submerged and unresponsive. She described the situation to CTV News, saying, “I noticed he was submerged under water and very unresponsive. So, I approached the man and helped lift his head.” Recognizing the urgency, she called for help and instructed others nearby to contact 911.

As the situation escalated, more beachgoers rushed to assist. VanWilligen noted that three individuals trained in CPR immediately began providing care to the man. “The wife had just gone on a little stroll down the beach. When she came back, she was incredibly thankful that all the pedestrians were working so hard to help her husband,” she recalled.

Emergency services, including the fire department and EMS, arrived approximately ten minutes after the initial call. They took over the rescue efforts and transported the man to the hospital. His current condition remains unknown.

This incident highlights the importance of community action and preparedness in emergency situations. Thanks to the quick response of those present at Little Beach, a potentially tragic outcome was mitigated.

The collaborative efforts of the beachgoers and responders serve as a reminder of the critical role that trained individuals can play in saving lives.