Wayward swimmer prompts large-scale emergency response
A half-dozen police cars, at least two fire trucks, a pair of ambulances, a rescue boat and a helicopter scoured the North Thompson River for about a half-hour this afternoon (Aug. 17) after a reported drowning.
But, in the end, it was a guy named Ziggy who just decided to go for a swim.
Roland Johnson and his friend were sitting on the bank of the North Thompson River enjoying the hot day, with temperatures in the low 30s.
"Ziggy said, 'I'm gonna try to go to Pioneer Park,'" Roland told KTW, pointing across the river.
"I said, 'That's not Pioneer Park — that's the reserve.'"
But, Johnson said, his pal wasn't having it.
So Ziggy handed Johnson his shoes and zagged across the North Thompson.
A passerby, meanwhile, saw Ziggy enter the water and then lost sight of him.
In a panic, 911 was called.
Before long, Schubert Drive between Fort and Alder avenues was buzzing with emergency crews, with a Kamloops Fire Rescue boat on the water and an air ambulance helping out from above.
That was about 2 p.m.
Forty minutes later, Ziggy was spotted lying down directly across the river from the intersection of Schubert Drive and Spruce Avenue.
Johnson said Ziggy's usually strong in the water.
"He's a pretty good swimmer," he said.
"Probably fatigue is what it is."
As for that trip to Pioneer Park, Johnson said Ziggy will likely call it a day.
"That's probably gonna be it for him," he said.
"He's probably gonna get a ride from there."
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