7 people in pontoon boat rescued from Deschênes Rapids

An Ottawa Fire Services water rescue boat is seen at Britannia Beach on May 25, 2026. (Austin Lee/CTV News Ottawa)

An Ottawa Fire Services water rescue team helped bring seven people back to shore after their pontoon boat got stuck in the Deschênes Rapids on Sunday.

Public information officer Nick DeFazio told CTV News Ottawa the group rented the boat but became trapped in the rapids on the Ottawa River just before 4 p.m.

The water rescue team used an inflatable Fortuna boat to reach the group and take them off the pontoon boat and back to land.

DeFazio said the rapids are a regular location for water rescue calls.

“The Deschênes Rapids remain one of the busiest locations for our Water Rescue Teams year after year. While they are a popular destination for boaters, paddlers and swimmers, the powerful currents and changing water conditions can quickly become life-threatening,” DeFazio said.

“We encourage everyone heading out on the water to know exactly where the rapids are, understand the hazards in the area and stay well away from them. Taking a few minutes to plan ahead can prevent a fun day on the water from turning into an emergency.”

No one was reported hurt.

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