Surrey RCMP member goes the distance to save 2 boys clinging to pier

The RCMP is applauding one of its own after an officer went above and beyond his duties to help save two boys trapped in the ocean outside of his district.

In a Facebook post, Surrey RCMP said Const. Maciej Roszkowski heard a call about two youths in trouble near the White Rock Pier two weeks ago, on August 6.

Even though White Rock has its own detachment, Roszkowski was close by and went to the scene to see if he could help.

Officers from Surrey and White Rock RCMP were first on scene and found the boys underneath the pier holding on to the support beams.

The pair got stuck in the high tide and were too tired to swim back, according to the social media post. 

That’s when the constable leaped into action.

“Cst. Roszkowski climbed over the railing and made his way down towards the water. With the help of nearby kayakers, he was able pull the boys out of the water and help them climb up to safety,” it said.

(Surrey RCMP/Twitter) Cst. Maciej Roszkowski (middle) with A/Cpl. Caroline Morin-Lévesque & Cst. Derek Hamel (White Rock RCMP) who assisted the call.

Paramedics checked the boys, other than being exhausted and cold — they were unhurt.

Surrey RCMP Spokesperson Cpl. Elenore Sturko said it’s not often that members have to go to the water to save lives but, “our officers are willing to go that extra distance to help people that are in need.”

With Roszkowski helping White Rock RCMP’s detachment, Sturko said it’s not uncommon, “if the nearest officer is a block away from an emergency for example, they wouldn’t turn their back on a call just because it’s on the other side of our boundaries.”

“I can easily say for all police officers throughout the Lower Mainland — our priority is helping people,” she said.

Sturko describes Roszkowski as “humble,” and said when the RCMP hears about unique stories, such as saving two boys stranded in the ocean — they want to share it.

“Sometimes our members are very humble, I would say that they are not in it to try and get attention for themselves, but when they do great work we like to be able to acknowledge the work that they’re doing, making a positive impact, doing work that helps inspire colleagues,” Sturko said.

White Rock RCMP Spokesperson Cst. Chantal Sears said the RCMP is “one big family” and it’s great to see the two detachments work together.

“Especially if it’s an emergency situation, police officers will go — we’re trained just to go and help and that’s what we want to do, is help and do the best job we can regardless of what the boundary is,” Sears said.

“Situations like this where officers are making quick-thinking decisions and going above and beyond happen on a regular basis,” Sears adds.

“Great work by Cst. Roszkowski, Surrey and White Rock RCMP, White Rock Fire Department, Marine Search and Rescue, and the helpful kayakers!” said the Facebook post.