Arrowsmith SAR president and search manager Nick Rivers risked his life to save a man who ended up in the top bowl of the treacherous Little Qualicum Falls. (Michael Clarke)

By Ian Holmes

bravery award

VIDEO: Arrowsmith SAR president recognized for life-saving rescue

Apr 22, 2024 | 4:29 PM

PARKSVILLE — Risking his life to save another resulted in a well-earned bravery medal for the highly regarded president of Arrowsmith Search and Rescue.

Arrowsmith SAR’s Nick Rivers was awarded the Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery medal during a ceremony on Saturday, April 20 in Parksville.

Rivers and his SAR colleagues performed a high-risk, complex rope rescue of a man who somehow ended up beyond perimeter safety fencing and down about 85 feet into the frigid waters of Little Qualicum Falls on Dec. 12, 2020.

With a rope attached and life-jacket on, Rivers swam against the upper bowl’s turbulent current to a log where a man was struggling to cling to.

The subject lost grip of the log and was headed over the waterfall to be rushed downstream to certain death, when Rivers grabbed onto the other man’s arm.

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The duo was then hooked onto a rope harness and eventually pulled to safety.

Rivers said the recognition is a great honour for himself and the entire Arrowsmith SAR team who responded that day.

“Even years later you still think about quite regularly. That was pretty significant, it was draining and exhausting in a lot of ways. Physically during and mentally after,” Rivers told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The man was taken away to hospital, while Rivers was treated for minor scrapes and bruises from the high risk response.

Rivers said Arrowsmith SAR’s response demonstrated to a wide audience the skill and dedication their members have.

“This rescue happened to be in a very public park and it was filmed and people were able to see it. That really shows light on what search and rescue in the province of B.C. is doing.”

Rivers hopes his award and the attention the rescue received helps illustrate the dangers place like Little Qualicum Falls can present to adventure-seekers.

He said many people likely don’t understand the role the thousands of search and rescue volunteers around the province provide to injured and distressed people in wilderness settings.

“I think the work that’s being done every day is incredible. It’s not seen every day, but it’s happening every day.”

The Little Qualicum Falls rescue was featured on the UK TV series Unbelievable Moments Caught on Camera.

Donations to Arrowsmith SAR can be made here.

Nick Rivers receiving the Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery medal on Saturday, April 20 (Arrowsmith Search and Rescue)

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ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes