Brave rescue lauded
Posted By IAN MCINROY, SUN MEDIA
Posted 5 months ago
Seven Barrie men who saved three people from drowning last month were recognized by the Canadian Red Cross yesterday.
Rescuer Awards were presented by the Simcoe County Red Cross branch in Barrie to Chris Lachance, Derek Airlie, Ryan Airlie, Jamie Palomaki, Kyle Homer, Jon Botelho and Michael Curatolo.
Rescuer Awards are presented to non-professional or off-duty first responders who have volunteered to save a life, prevented further injury or provided comfort to the injured.
During a camping trip near Moon River Falls on Aug. 2., their quick and innovative thinking saved three men who were trapped in the swollen waters of the river.
The Barrie men watched seven other men jump into the swift current who soon had serious trouble on their hands.
"(They) saw the men dive into the water and heard cries for help. They immediately began tying towels and clothing together to make a rope," said Janine Bain of the Red Cross.
"They pulled one man out of the water using the rope, but it became saturated and too heavy to pull. They then cut down a tree branch and used that to pull two others from the water," she added.
Palomaki said the group pulled itself together to act without thinking.
"We didn't have time to think about what was going on. It was chaos at the moment," he said. "If it wasn't for that tree (used in the rescue), the last guy might have gone under."
Derek Airlie said he couldn't believe anybody would attempt to swim in the fast-moving waters of that section of the river near the falls. "The whole weekend people said the water had never been that high," he said.
Parents and relatives were beaming while they watched the men receive their awards.
"I'm proud of all the boys that they took it upon themselves to do what they did," said Paula Botelho, who accepted the award on behalf of her son Jon.
"I thought it was great they reacted they way they did to save someone's life."
Anne Curatolo said her son Michael was humbled by the experience. "He said he just did what was in his heart. But I don't think everybody would do (what they did). Not every human being reacts the same way," she said, adding that she was surprised the Barrie men didn't jump in to save the swimmers, and perhaps suffer their fate.
"I'm glad they didn't."
Bain said the group's selfless actions saved the lives of three people on Aug. 2.
