An RCMP officer in Grand Falls-Windsor is being credited for going “above and beyond” to help a man in distress in the Exploits River.

RCMP received a report on the evening of Monday, May 25th that a man, under treatment at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre, had escaped the hospital and had entered the water of the river.

The man managed to get back to the water’s edge, but needed help, which is when Constable Alex LeBlanc jumped into action.

Police say the officer took off his uniform equipment and swam into the water, fighting the current to get to the man.

The force of the water prevented him from reaching the man, but Constable LeBlanc found another way, by climbing around some large rocks, managing to get to the man in distress.

Members of the public were also able to lend some help and the man, who was uninjured, was returned to the hospital. RCMP offer their thanks to the public for their assistance and to Constable LeBlanc for his “heroic actions.”