Rescuers also at risk when trying to help others safely to shore

Bystanders who jump in to help swimmers in distress need to consider the risks to themselves before wading into the water, the Lifesaving Society of Ontario says. 

"I myself have been a lifeguard for years and I would be extremely cautious going into open water to do a rescue," society spokesperson Stephanie Bakalar told CBC's Ottawa Morning on Friday. 

Bakalar's comments come two days after a man's dramatic rescue of two people from the Ottawa River near Westboro Beach on Wednesday afternoon. 

David Hickey, who told CBC he took a basic lifeguarding course as a kid, pulled an adult man and a child out of the river after noticing screaming and commotion near Westboro Beach.

The father of the child was pulled out of the water later and pronounced dead at hospital. 

Hickey noted the river is quite shallow in that area until a steep drop-off not far from shore.

'You need to be very careful'

Bakalar said ideally, would-be rescuers should have life-saving training. Even if they do, they should approach the situation with caution.

For one thing, the people needing rescuing could, in their panicked state of mind, pull you down with them, Bakalar said. 

"They are scared and they are strong. They will grab you and they will pull you under the water," she said. 

You might start to panic yourself. 

"Now you're under the water as well, so you need to be very careful."

Water currents need to be kept in mind as well.

If possible, Bakalar recommended reaching out to the person with a floating object or throwing one to them from shore. 

If you do go into the water, get the person to roll onto their back and stay calm. 

"It would be much easier than dealing with someone who's thrashing around," Bakalar said. 

It's not clear where the father and child entered the river on Wednesday. Westboro Beach has lifeguards on duty from noon to 7 p.m., according to the National Capital Commission. 

"Swimming conditions can vary depending on river conditions," the NCC's website warns. 

Children, or anyone who isn't a confident swimmer, should have a life-jacket on before going into the water, said Dr. Trevor Arnason, Ottawa's interim medical officer of health

Data up to 2020 indicates Ottawa experiences about six drownings a year. Swimming incidents often happen away from supervised areas, he added. 

Ottawa Morning9:30What you need to know before jumping in for a water rescue

Following the drowning of a man and the rescue of his son near Westboro Beach, we speak to Lifesaving Society Ontario about what passersby should know before jumping in for a rescue.