On a chilly December day last year, Rob Clifford was walking his one-year-old son Luca in a stroller along Saanichton Spit, much like he does most days.
When he came upon two women also out for a stroll, they pointed to the water where two men were attempting to swim to shore after their canoe had capsized. In an instant, Clifford made sure the women B次元官网网址� who had called 911 B次元官网网址� could watch Luca before he stripped down to his underwear, grabbed a nearby log and swam out into frigid waters to reach the men in trouble.
For his heroic actions, the BC Ambulance Service honoured Clifford with a Good Samaritan Award Thursday at a small ceremony outside their Saanichton headquarters.
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B次元官网网址淚 just decided I should try and help out,B次元官网网址� said the Saanichton resident, currently working on his PhD through studies with Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto.
Though the honour was bestowed upon him, Clifford is quick to point out one of the men involved played a significant role in bringing his friend, who is unable to swim, as far as he could to shore, saying he deserves a lot of respect for his efforts as well.
B次元官网网址淚 just thought I could help out and make it the rest of the way in,B次元官网网址� Clifford recalled. B次元官网网址淚 couldnB次元官网网址檛 envision myself just standing there, if something bad happened, I couldnB次元官网网址檛 just stand and watch.B次元官网网址�
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Mike McGregor, unit chief for the BC Ambulance Service, who nominated Clifford for the award, is convinced that without his quick action that day, it would have been a much different outcome.
B次元官网网址淭here is no doubt in my mind that Rob saved this manB次元官网网址檚 life,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淩ob was calm, cool and collected and did a fantastic job. He put his life on the line, really.B次元官网网址�
By the time the men returned to the shore, McGregor and other first responders had arrived. Had he spent just another few minutes in water that cold, McGregor is sure the man Clifford rescued B次元官网网址渨ouldnB次元官网网址檛 have been able to hold on.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址漈hey do this sort of thing all the time,B次元官网网址� Clifford said of the BC Ambulance Service. B次元官网网址淪o to be able to connect and be given this award is an honour.B次元官网网址�
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