On May 20, 2001, Markham Bunnah rescued a man who had fallen from an old railroad bridge into the Bow River, in Calgary, Alberta. Hearing cries for help, Mr. Bunnah saw the man dangling between two railroad ties. He raced onto the bridge but, before he could reach his side, the man lost his grip and fell into the cold water, near a dangerous weir. Mr. Bunnah ran back to the riverbank and dove in after him. Fighting the strong current, he swam some 50 metres out, grabbed hold of the unconscious victim, and managed to maintain his grip as he and the man were carried some 25 metres down river, toward the falls. Despite weakening strength, Mr. Bunnah continued to battle the fast-flowing waters until he reached the shore, where he pulled the man to safety.