Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION

Kamloops man recognized for his heroic actions after he pulled swimmers from the Thompson River

Aug 1, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Rob Griffiths will never forget what happened the evening of July 8th at the float plane dock just off Aviation Way.

“What happened that night is the craziest five minutes of my life,” Griffiths recalls. “Nothing will ever – I don’t think, hopefully – traumatize me like that.”

Griffiths, while riding his bike, happened upon a pair of young men struggling to swim in the strong current of the Thompson River. He made the decision to jump in and try to help the men and ended up saving their lives.

“When a member of the public puts their life at risk for others – complete strangers – with no training or protective equipment, that is truly heroic,” KFR Chief Ken Uzeloc said at the ceremony at Fire Hall Number One on Thursday morning.

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“What he did was something he felt he had to do,” Chief Uzeloc tells CFJC Today. “Obviously it’s a fine balance. We don’t expect citizens to put their lives at risk to do something, but when they do, where he saved two gentlemen most likely from drowning, they deserve to be recognized.”

Griffiths was presented with a Certificate of Commendation, along with a pair of challenge coins – one from KFR, and the other from the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 913 – for his actions. Despite the positive outcome, he believes the results could have been very different.

Challenge coins presented to Rob Griffiths by KFR and the IAFF Local 913. (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

“Don’t become a victim yourself. Do a risk assessment and look for other ways first before jumping in,” Griffiths says. “Look for a branch, look for something that floats, and familiarize yourself with how to save drawing people.”

Chief Uzeloc says it’s important for anyone who is considering swimming in the river to be aware of the risks the fast-moving current poses.

“Water is not something that should be taken lightly,” Chief Uzeloc says. “If you don’t have the training, if you don’t have the right equipment you shouldn’t be going into the water. Pools are meant for swimming; rivers are not.”

Griffiths can’t help but reflect on a similar situation that happened just days after his but had a different result.

“I really think about Mr. [Stan] Cappis, still in the river,” Griffiths says. “We can’t forget that he’s still in the river, right? That’s an indication of how dangerous our rivers can be.”