POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 23 In the water Keizer estimates she had been in the water, at that point, for 10 minutes. She had on a big parka, so it was not a good situation, Keizer said. Keizer asked his supervisor to lower him over the edge of the wharf since he could not see any ladders. I knew she needed help. Keizer is a 28-year veteran of the department and an avid swimmer. The police corporal is also a local boater, so he is familiar with the area. Keizer’s supervisor had located a life ring and threw it in. Keizer placed it under the womans legs and around her torso. ‘I don’t want to die’ All she was saying is, I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die. I said, Look around, we’re all here, you are not going to die. I kept asking her name, trying to distract her because I didn’t want her to panic. But she was hysterical. By then, the Charlottetown fire department and Island EMS paramedics were on the scene and helping. Officers on the ground started to pull the distressed woman up the seawall and managed to get her four feet out of the water when she fell back in because of her panicked nature. Officers once again attempted to haul her out, getting her within three feet of land when she fell back in again. Swim to rescue Then I knewwe were going to have to swim to some point and I picked where the seadoos are (moored). The guys threw a (life) ring in for me and we had to swim down about 50 metres or the length of the seawall. Once Keizer managed to swim the woman down, other officers, firefighters and EMS pulled her out and then him. The officers kept askingme if I was OK. I was. After that, I didn’t stick around too long. I was pretty cold. The fire department provided me with a blanket and asked me if I wanted EMS. I said no. I got back in my patrol car, drove to my house, had a hot shower and went back to work. The woman sustained no major injuries. She was very thankful to be out of the water. Once she was safe, my job was done. I was very fortunate to have a real good team around me. At no point did I think we were not going to be successful. Not a hero Keizer cuts The Guardian off before the reporter can ask if he thinks he did anything special. Charlottetown police officer downplays role in rescuing woman from harbour waters continued Charlottetown police veteran Cpl. Tim Keizer, centre, told The Guardian that he is surrounded by heroes in the department.With him is Const. Jana Vessey, left, and Const. Shaun Davis. – Dave Stewart/The Guardian continued
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