A Penticton firefighter was honoured this week for a dramatic rescue on Skaha Lake in 2012.
Every year, thousands of people, tourists and locals alike, enjoy a lazy cruise down the Okanagan River Channel. And every year, a few of them find out just how strong the current is past the landing point and the bridge.
Curtis Gibbons was off-duty in June 2012, walking with his wife and dog along Skaha Lake, when they spotted someone swimming in the lake, having trouble and trying to keep his head above water.
Fire chief Wayne Williams said Gibbons went above and beyond when he jumped in the water to help the swimmer, who was caught in the channel current and being pushed further out into the lake.
“Firefighter Gibbons jumped into the water in Skaha Lake and managed to pull the individual to a boat and they were both brought to shore,” said Williams. “The individual’s life was saved. If it had been any longer the individual may have drowned.”
Gibbons modestly attributed the rescue to his wife.
“If it wasn’t for my wife, I might not have been able to help this person out. She was the one that heard calls for help as we were on the other side of the bridge,” said Gibbons.
Williams said the fire department nominated Gibbons for a special bravery award. A commendation from the Governor General of Canada David Johnston, was presented to Gibbons on Monday evening, during a City of Penticton council meeting.
“I am just proud and honoured to be able to put on a Penticton fire department uniform every day and to be able to do this for a living,” said Gibbons.