Iqaluit (Dec 01/03) - The only evidence remaining to show that a blizzard blew through the city recently is the boats washed up on the break water.

Sgt. Shaun Peterson talks to Ranger Johnny Nowdlak about the rescue. - Neils Christensen/NNSL Photo

There is also nothing to indicate that the peaceful spot was the scene of a near-tragedy on Nov. 26 when Sgt. Shaun Peterson, Ranger instructor for the Canadian Armed Forces, rescued two young boys from the frigid water.

"The water is so calm now. Yesterday the wind was blowing the water everywhere. You could hardly see out into the bay," he said.

"It was by luck that I happened to be there to rescue the two kids."

Peterson explained that he was just at the right place at the right time, checking on some Rangers who were bringing in boats during the wind storm.

He noticed some people out on the pier and at first thought they were the Rangers.

"When I was closer I could see they were children," he said. "They were jumping up and down looking in the water. Then I saw the two kids in the water."

At first Peterson tried rescue them without going into the water himself, using his belt as a rescue line.

Tired from the struggle to stay afloat in the icy arctic water, the children weren't strong enough to hold on.

"Their hands were frozen," he said. "The wind was pushing the waves over their heads."

The water didn't look very deep so Peterson figured he could grab the children without getting too wet. He found out quickly that looks can be deceiving.

When he took his first step, Peterson fell into the frigid water up to his arm pits. He was only in the water for about five minutes but he described it as "painfully cold."

"I tried to lift the kids out but the cold took all my strength. Once I was in the water I couldn't do anything because I was so cold," he said.

"I walked to a point where I could climb out and I carried the two boys out. I'm just glad they had enough strength to hold on (to me)."

Peterson brought the two boys to his vehicle to warm them and himself.

After the rescue, Peterson drove to the Grind and Brew to get the boys some warm fluids and call the RCMP.

Peterson didn't have a chance to talk to the children, however, even to ask their names or ages. As soon as they saw the police car coming, the boys ran away.

"I haven't been able to find them. I hope they are all right," Peterson said.