Latest news with #GordonGiesbrecht
CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
‘Seat belts off. Windows open': Demonstration shows simple steps to get out safely if your car enters the water
A car is seen in the water after being driven in as part of a demonstration to show how to get out quickly and safely on June 4, 2025. (Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg) Water safety experts are wanting to get the word out about what to do if your vehicle ends up in a body of water. Several organizations came together Wednesday to perform a water demonstration and show how to get out of your vehicle quickly and safely. 'All you need is, basically, your brain to tell your finger to press the red button on your seat belt and then to press the button to open your window,' said Gordon Giesbrecht, a vehicle submersion expert. Giesbrecht, who performed the demonstration, said there are misconceptions about what happens to a vehicle when it hits the water, the most common being the windows won't work because the water has short-circuited the electrical system. He said that isn't the case. During his demo, Giesbrecht was able to take his seatbelt off, roll down the window and crawl out in around 10 to 15 seconds. If someone were to ever find themselves in this situation, he said there is a simple acronym that people can remember to ensure they get out quickly—SWOC. 'Seat belts off. Windows open. Out immediately. Children first.' The key is to get out of the vehicle within the first minute. If people stay calm, he said that can be plenty of time for them to think through what they must do and get out. He said around 400 people die from drowning in their vehicle every year in Canada and the United States. Giesbrecht wants SWOC to become the new safety slogan that everyone remembers, saying everyone knows what to do if their clothes catch fire—stop, drop and roll. 'I did a study on this a while ago, and more people are in the water in a car than ever have their clothes on fire,' he said. 'If everybody knew it and could remember it, the number of drownings in cars would decrease from 400 probably to 100.' Those 100 drownings would be because of additional injuries suffered when the vehicle hits the water, Giesbrecht said. But the majority are unhurt when driving into a body of water, and they have the ability to get out, he said. Denise Johnson's daughter, Brittany, died last year after her vehicle entered a pond in Molson, Man. Johnson believes her daughter would still be alive if she knew what to do once she was in the water. 'It was 1:30 in the afternoon. Maybe she panicked; maybe she didn't know that information,' said Johnson. She is encouraging everyone to learn what needs to happen if they end up in this situation. 'Please be cautious. There are so many people driving. There are so many waterways, there's bridges, there's open water. Know what to do. Talk to your family. So many people, they live out of town, their kids are 15 years old, 16 years old, getting their licence.' Giesbrecht said so many drowning deaths in vehicles are easily preventable and he hopes this simple demonstration will save lives.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Order of Manitoba appointees announced
The Manitobans announced as the next recipients of the province's highest honour include a hypothermia expert, the co-owner of a production company, the head of St. Boniface Street Links, an Indigenous elder, a business executive and philanthropist, and a former senator. Twelve Manitobans will receive the Order of Manitoba in a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building on July 17. The order honours people 'who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents.' One of the twelve incoming members is former University of Manitoba professor Gordon Giesbrecht, a leading authority on hypothermia, ice safety and cold-water immersion survival dubbed Professor Popsicle. Rebecca Gibson — the co-owner of Eagle Vision and an award-winning actor, writer, director and producer — will also be joining the order. Marion Willis is also being appointed. She created St. Boniface Street Links, which helps homeless people, and founded Morberg House, a transitional home for men dealing with homelessness, addiction and mental-health issues. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES Gordon Giesbrecht. a.k.a. Professor Popsicle, beside water tanks in his office and research lab at the University of Manitoba in December 2023. Giesbrecht, who retired soon after, is being appointed to the Order of Manitoba. Ken Paupanekis, an elder from Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation (also known as Norway House), has 'tirelessly worked toward Indigenous language revitalization,' a Monday news release said. He has helped develop language programs through his fluency in Cree, Anishinaabe, English and French. Business executive and philanthropist Walter Schroeder has pledged more than $500 million to support educational causes through the Schroeder Foundation. Another appointee, Maria Chaput, was the first franco-Manitoban woman in the Senate. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The other six appointees are: fpcity@
CBC
12-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Emmy Award winner, philanthropists, scientists, advocates among Order of Manitoba recipients
Twelve Manitobans will receive the province's highest honour for a range of accomplishments, from advocacy work and acting to philanthropy, fundraising and the revitalization of Indigenous languages. The formal investiture ceremony is scheduled for July 17 at the Manitoba Legislative Building. Established in 1999, the award recognizes individuals whose achievements enrich the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents "and reinforce that we all have the power to make a difference," the office of Manitoba's lieutenant-governor said in a news release. The following is a list of those being honoured, along with information from their citations: Maria E. Chaput The first Franco-Manitoban woman in the Canadian Senate, Maria Chaput has dedicated her community work and professional career to the growth of the Manitoba francophone community. She led many fundraising campaigns in support of organizations such as Cercle Molière theatre and the Maison Gabrielle-Roy museum, and played a key role in the modernization of the Official Languages Act. Rebecca Gibson Partner and co-owner of Eagle Vision, Rebecca Gibson is an award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, playwright, best-selling author, devoted mentor and advocate for equity, diversity and accessibility. She is a recent winner of a 2023 International Emmy Award (only the second Manitoba win) and the Banff World Media Festival's 2022 Innovative Producer of the Year Award. Gordon Giesbrecht A dedicated teacher and renowned scientist, Gordon Giesbrecht is a world leader in the study and treatment of hypothermia and drowning prevention. Under his leadership, the University of Manitoba has become a globally renowned centre of expertise in cold stress physiology and pre-hospital care for human hyperthomia. His findings have saved countless lives, with his recommendations forming protocols that are now used by emergency responders across Canada. Digvir S. Jayas An engineer and agrologist, Digvir Jayas is distinguished professor in the department of biosystems engineering at the University of Manitoba. A world-renowned grain scientist, Jayas has received multiple awards for his 30-year research and teaching career that has enhanced grain preservation in Canada and around the world. Glen Kruck Throughout his 35-year career with Community Health and Housing in Brandon, Glen Kruck has been dedicated to helping people in need. His work has centred on creating long-term, sustainable solutions to homelessness in Brandon, particularly for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues. His housing programs have benefited thousands of Brandon residents and he was instrumental in the development of Brandon's first homeless shelters. Trudy L. Lavallee The former child and family advocate for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Trudy Lavallee's advocacy for First Nations children led to her developing the concept for Jordan's Principle, which intended to make sure First Nations children do not face gaps, delays or denials in accessing government services because of their identity. In November 2005, she wrote an article published in the Paediatrics and Child Health Journal titled, "Honouring Jordan: Putting First Nations Children First and Funding Fights Second," which led to the federal introduction of the Jordan's Principle bill. J. Kenneth Paupanekis An elder of the Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation (Norway House), Ken Paupanekis has dedicated himself to the well-being of Indigenous communities in Manitoba, working toward Indigenous language revitalization. His fluency in Cree, Anishinaabe, English and French helped with the development of key language programs. His contribution to Manitoba universities has ensured future generations can access culturally relevant learning materials. Kristie Pearson A dedicated fundraiser and volunteer, Kristie Pearson supports community organizations that provide services to Manitobans. Her fundraising efforts have helped raise over $30 million for charities and projects including the Clan Mothers Healing Village, Rainbow Resource Centre, United Way Winnipeg and the YMCA/YWCA. During the pandemic, she developed Linking Hope in response to the many small agencies struggling to raise funds and recruit volunteers. Walter John Schroeder A successful business executive and philanthropist, Walter Schroeder has pledged over $500 million to support educational causes through the Schroeder Foundation. This includes a recent $15-million donation to create the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts at RRC Polytech and $1.25 million to support the Ozhitoon Onji Peenjiiee — Build from Within program to support Indigenous teachers. He also provides over 700 post-secondary scholarships annually. Charlie Spiring A successful investment advisor, Charlie Spiring's philanthropy strengthens the social fabric of Manitoba. His foundation has provided millions of dollars to local programs, including Siloam Mission, Adoption Options Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre Foundation and the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. He led the InSpiring Match for United Way Winnipeg, matching $1 million for the Forever Family initiative, providing immediate support to family centres across Winnipeg. Felix C. Walker A member of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), Felix Walker provides innovative programming for the well-being of his community. A band councillor at age 25, he led programs based on traditional Cree values, including reducing trauma to children in care. He also established group home care for youth and continues to work with elders through the Rediscovery of Families program, where families reunite and heal in traditional land settings. Marion F. Willis Marion Willis has contributed to safer and healthier communities in Manitoba by creating and operating St. Boniface Street Links, a program that delivers a holistic approach to help homeless people in Winnipeg. She is also the founder of Morberg House, an addictions recovery residence in Winnipeg. She works to break the cycle of homelessness and to set new standards of care for vulnerable people by helping to restore hope and dignity in their lives. Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville, chancellor of the order, will preside over the ceremony in July. Appointments to the Order of Manitoba are made by the chancellor based on the recommendations of an advisory council. A list of all members of the order is on permanent display in the legislative building, and members are entitled to use the initials O.M. after their names for life.
