'They gave me a second life,' Winnipeg man says to rescuers

A man who nearly drowned nearKenora, Ont., was reunited on Thursday with two people who saved his life.

A choked-upHarikeshMarwaha, 24, struggled to tell JaimeSiskaand JoelVertonehow grateful he is.

"I'm short of words. Thanks is a very small word for them," he said during the meeting at CBC Winnipeg's studio, where all three were guests on Information Radio.

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"Seriously, I owe my life to them because they give me a second life. I was almost dead."

Marwahawas camping at Rushing River Provincial Park last week when he fell into the water and nearly drowned.

Siska, along with a fellowWinnipeggerColinCheyssprang into action to rescue him, carrying him to shore.

I just ran to the rocks edge where I heard screaming from, said Cheys. I managed to find a man at the bottom, eyes wide open, looking up to me. I just kind of grabbed one of his arms, pushed off the bottom and swam for the surface.

Siska began performing CPR and then Vertone, an off-duty officer,jumped in.

I just thought that would be his best chance to receive oxygen so I just started right away, saidVertone, who credits his training fromthe Winnipeg Police Service. "It was a miracle that he was revived."

Vertonesaideveryone thoughtMarwahawas dead when they pulled him out of the water. But he decided to do CPR anyway.

"I just know that in my experience on this job it's very vital for the brain to receive oxygen and I just thought that would be his best hopeto start right away," he said.

When Marwaha finally began to recover, Siska said she was overwhelmed.

That was like the most emotional, overwhelming feeling that you can have. To see that man breathe like that, she said.

Marwahaspent two days in hospital and said his chest hurt for a few days after due to the CPR, but it's a small price to pay.

The doctor was saying its a miracle, he said.

Marwaha, originally from India and now living in Winnipeg, said he waited a few days to tell his mother in India that he nearly drowned. He didn't want her to worry.

His friends in Winnipeg have since bought him a life jacket that he promises to wear anytime he is near the water.

He has also planned to take the three Winnipeggers who saved him out for dinner.