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Dramatic river rescue in Courtenay brings lifesaving award

A local man received the St. John Ambulance Life-Saving Award after rescuing a woman this year from the fast-flowing Puntledge River.
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Jami Harris of St. John Ambulance

A local man received the St. John Ambulance Life-Saving Award after rescuing a woman earlier this year from the fast-flowing waters of the Puntledge River in Courtenay.

On July 23, Lee Murray was enjoying a summer day with his two young children when he heard cries for help. A 60-year-old woman was tubing down the river with a friend when she hit a log and was knocked under the water.

She not know how to swim, and she also had a long line of rope attached to her that caught at the bottom of the river. The rope was choking her while also pulling her under.

Murray dove under the water and fought hard to free the rope. He then brought the woman to shore, where CPR was performed until paramedics arrived.

The woman was immediately airlifted to Victoria General Hospital from St. Joseph's General Hospital in Comox. She has since recovered from her injuries.

"Mr. Murray's calm demeanour and quick action most definitely helped save this woman's life. People like Lee help make our community a better place," said Insp. Blair McDonald of the Comox Valley RCMP.

The Comox Valley RCMP nominated Murray for the award, which was quickly approved.

Presentation of the award was made at a small ceremony in Courtenay on Dec. 2.

— Comox Valley RCMP