Bystander helps rescue girl from water at New Westminster Quay, police say

Crews were called to the Quayside waterfront around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday after reports that a female youth had entered the Fraser River and was in distress, struggling to stay above water, the New Westminster Police Department said. As officers responded, a bystander used nylon tree-staking straps found nearby to make an improvised rope long enough to reach her.

The department said in a statement Friday that the bystander attached a life ring to the rope, allowing the girl to hold on and stay afloat until police arrived. The Q to Q Ferry crew also diverted to pull her from the water and bring her aboard.

Police are investigating how the youth ended up in the river, but do not believe the incident was criminal. Sgt. Andrew Leaver said the rescue showed community members and first responders working together under challenging circumstances. He credited the bystander, the ferry crew and responding officers with playing critical roles in bringing the girl to safety.