A summer day at Ottawa’s popular Westboro Beach turned tragic yesterday afternoon when a 42-year-old father drowned while rescuing his young child from the Ottawa River’s unpredictable currents.
Witnesses report that Rajiv Sharma, a local software engineer and father of two, rushed into the water after his 7-year-old daughter was swept away by a sudden strong current approximately 50 meters from the shore. The child had been playing in what appeared to be shallow water when conditions rapidly changed.
“He didn’t hesitate—not for a second,” said Marina Kozlov, who was sunbathing nearby when the incident occurred. “The girl started screaming, and he just sprinted into the water. He managed to push her toward some people who were closer to shore, but then he went under.”
Emergency services responded to multiple 911 calls at approximately 3:15 PM. Ottawa Paramedic Service arrived within minutes, followed by water rescue teams from Ottawa Fire Services. Bystanders had already pulled the child safely to shore, but Sharma remained submerged for nearly eight minutes before rescue divers located him.
“Despite aggressive resuscitation efforts both at the scene and during transport to The Ottawa Hospital, the victim was pronounced deceased at 4:47 PM,” confirmed Ottawa Paramedic Chief Patricia Montgomery.
The child was treated for mild hypothermia and water ingestion but has been released to family members in stable condition, according to hospital officials.
This marks the third drowning in the Ottawa River this season, prompting city officials to review water safety measures along popular recreational areas. The Ottawa River’s depth and current patterns can change dramatically based on upstream dam operations and recent rainfall.
“What many visitors don’t realize is that the Ottawa River isn’t just a static body of water,” explained Ottawa River Conservation Authority spokesperson Jean Tremblay. “Water levels can fluctuate by up to a meter in a single day depending on hydroelectric operations, and underwater topography creates unpredictable currents that aren’t visible from shore.”
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for expanded lifeguard coverage at Westboro Beach. Currently, lifeguards are on duty only between 12 PM and 7 PM on weekends during the summer months, with more limited coverage on weekdays.
City Councillor Samantha Chen has announced plans to propose extended safety measures at the next council meeting. “We’re looking at additional warning signage, expanded lifeguard hours, and potentially designated swimming zones with floating markers,” Chen told CO24 News.
Sharma’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Friends describe him as a devoted father who had recently celebrated his tenth wedding anniversary. His employer, local tech firm NovaSoft Solutions, has established a memorial fund to support the family.
Water safety experts remind the public that even strong swimmers can be overwhelmed by currents, especially when attempting rescues. The Canadian Red Cross recommends “reach or throw, don’t go”—using an extended object or throwing a flotation device rather than entering the water—as the safest approach to water rescues.
As summer continues and more residents seek relief from the heat at local waterways, authorities urge heightened vigilance around water. “The best protection is prevention,” emphasized Ottawa Fire Chief Ibrahim Nasir. “Always swim with a buddy, respect warning signs, and be aware that conditions can change in an instant.”
As our community mourns this loss, we must ask ourselves: how can we balance enjoying our natural waterways while ensuring that safety remains the paramount concern for families visiting our beaches?
