Paramedic dies after rescuing child from Dildo swimming hole

Devin George, 30, is being remembered as a hero. George drowned on Saturday, June 22, after rescuing a child at a swimming hole in Dildo.
Devin George, 30, is being remembered as a hero by family and colleagues. George drowned on Saturday after rescuing a child at a swimming hole in Dildo. (Warren's Funeral Home)

The Paramedic Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is mourning the loss of one of their own, after Devin George, 30, died shortly after rescuing a child at a swimming hole in eastern Newfoundland.

The RCMP confirmed Tuesday that a 30-year-old man died off Ballfield Road in Dildo on Saturday afternoon.

George became a paramedic in 2014 — a career aligned with his passion for helping others, according to his obituary.

"Devin dedicated his life doing what he was trained to do, saving the lives of others," George's family said in a statement provided to the Paramedic Association. "He gave his life to save a young boy …and will always be a hero in my eyes."

Family said he served in the province and across Canada.

George is being remembered as a hero.

"In the light of selfless love he shone/ A hero in every sense, now gone/ His legacy of courage and grace/ Forever in our hearts, a sacred place," according to verse printed in his obituary.

Witnesses reported that he went under the water after helping a young child get to shore safely.

Whitbourne RCMP received a report just after 3:30 p.m. NT on Saturday, that George had not resurfaced after going under the water.

An RCMP constable and firefighters entered the water and located George shortly after. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

The local fire department and emergency medical services also responded.

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