Nobleford Emergency Services recount dramatic water rescue in 2024

Sunny South News photo Submitted.

Town of Nobleford

During a ceremony on Dec. 16, Nobleford Emergency Services reflected on a water rescue incident involving members of the service earlier in 2024.

On May 4 at 6:30 p.m., emergency crews were alerted to a serious water incident in the middle of Keho Lake.

A boat with a single occupant capsized roughly 1,000 feet from shore. Within minutes crews from Nobleford and Picture Butte Emergency Services prepared a technical rescue team consisting of two water rescuers, one from Nobleford and one from Picture Butte. Under the direction of Chief West of Picture Butte Emergency Services, the two rescuers geared up and swam over 1,000 feet to reach the individual. After making contact with the victim, the rescuers made sure to keep the individual safe and afloat until the Lethbridge Fire river boat arrived. Everyone was brought to shore where crews assisted in getting the individual into the awaiting EMS unit. The Vulcan County water rescue boat assisted in retrieving the capsized boat and bringing it to shore.

Additional mutual aid requests for assistance went out to Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services and Champion Fire Department with their water rescue boats, an EMS unit, Coalhurst Volunteer Fire Department with their drone, and the Coaldale RCMP. A third boat was en route from Lomond & District Fire Association but was stood down once the other two boats were in the water.

Fire Chief Ryan Wagner highlighted that Captain Phil Sterkenburg and Lieutenant Lelaina Bredeweg acted with courage and distinction in this water rescue. They volunteered to go into the water to rescue the individual in need. He also noted, “With my role as incident commander, I was very proud and pleased with how all rescue efforts, setup, and teamwork evolved throughout this rescue with our neighbouring mutual aid departments.”

Nobleford Emergency Services extended its gratitude to all agencies who collaborated on this technical rescue. 

2024 Awards

Firefighter Marien Anker: Firefighter of the Year – for most practices and calls attended

Firefighter Amber Vandekraats: Fire Service Recognition Award – for going over and above on fire service duties

Firefighter Rick Mans: 3 years of service award

Firefighter Nelina Mans: 3 years of service award

Firefighter Justin Slingerland: 3 years of service award

Captain Phil Sterkenburg: Leadership Award, and Medal of Merit for the water rescue

Captain Corey Pearse: 12 year service medal from the province

Lieutenant Lelaina Bredeweg of Picture Butte: Medal of Merit for the water rescue