Elaine Ratt from the Sucker River area in Saskatchewan was hailed as a hero after she risked her own safety to save a young nine-year-old boy from drowning and hypothermia after he had fallen through thin ice.
Elaine was nearing the end of her shift at a local store when a child rushed in, reporting that his friend had fallen through the ice. Acting immediately, Elaine called 911 and ran to the scene. Upon arrival, she saw the boy struggling to stay above water and encouraged him to keep his head up while awaiting help. However, as the situation worsened, she took action.
Elaine carefully approached the thin ice, which began cracking beneath her weight, and crawled toward the boy. Despite falling through the ice herself, she managed to pull the boy from the water. After checking that he was breathing, Elaine guided him across the ice and helped him reach the safety of the shore. She then carried him back to the store, where he was kept warm until first responders arrived.
The entire rescue lasted approximately seven minutes. Elaine later noted that the ice was dangerously thin—less than an inch thick—but she acted instinctively, knowing there was no time to wait for emergency services. The incident highlighted the risks posed by thin ice during winter and the importance of quick thinking in emergencies.
The boy was taken to La Ronge by EMS and was later reported to be in stable condition. Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson expressed deep gratitude for Elaine’s quick thinking, bravery, and selflessness. She also thanked the young boy who had run to the store for help. The Chief highlighted the support of the local fire department, RCMP, and EMS for their rapid response.
Sucker River Fire Chief Maurice Ratt also praised Elaine for her courage, noting that she went above and beyond before first responders could arrive. He urged the community to be cautious during the freeze-up, warning that the ice was very thin and dangerous. He reminded everyone to keep a close eye on their children and avoid walking on newly formed ice along the river.
Source: SASK Now
