NIAGARA FALL, Ontario -
After surviving the 60-metre plunge over the Horseshoe Falls, a man swam in the icy water of the Niagara River for more than 30 minutes while rescuers raced against the clock to get him out.
"If it had gone on a couple minutes more, he would have sunk beneath the water," said Niagara Parks police Sgt. Chris Gallagher.
The unidentified man is believed to be the third person to survive going over the falls without some kind of protection, like a barrel.
Police, firefighters, paramedics and a private helicopter pilot worked to save the man who went into the water above the falls, but stayed afloat in the lower river.
He clung to a log at times, and was swimming in the near-freezing water while rescuers prepared on shore.
He was listed in critical condition Wednesday night after being transferred to a hospital in Hamilton.
He was being treated for hypothermia and head trauma.
Police believe him to be in his late 30s.
Niagara Parks police were called to the river at 2:11 p.m., after a tourist saw a man climb over the wall.
"He voluntarily entered the water and refused assistance at the bottom. Whatever conclusion you want to draw from that," parks police Chief Doug Kane said.
"The male is fortunate to survive after going over the falls and remaining in the icy water for about 45 minutes."
