Hydro One worker Steve McGonigal is being hailed as a local hero after rescuing two young children in danger of drowning at the Robert Simpson Park Beach in Arnprior Sunday June 13th.
InsideOttawaValley.com reports McGonigal had taken his sons to the beach about 7PM, and was watching from his car in the parking lot when he saw a local boy attempt to rescue a floaty drifting into the Ottawa River.
Turns out the floatation device belonged to two young girls, who, without it, were experiencing distress closer to shore.
Only one child was visible as the fully-clad McGonigal rushed from his car and jumped in to save her.
While the seven-year old was still treading water, her cries of “My sister. My sister” alerted McGonigal to the younger sibling, who had already sunk below the surface.
He was able to rescue both kids and take them to shore.
The ambulance arrived quickly, and McGonigal was surrounded by grateful members of the children’s extended family.
He believes that given the early heatwave, the Town ought to have advanced the installation of warning barriers, which have subsequently been positioned since the near tragedy.
