A 52-year-old woman is being called a hero after helping save the lives of three teens this week on the waters of Lake Manitoba.

RCMP Media Relations Officer Sgt. Paul Manaigre says on June 3 at 5:10 p.m., Portage la Prairie RCMP received a 911 call from an 18-year-old female who advised she was on an inflatable raft, along with two other females, who were being swept away from Delta Beach. 

She reported that the two other females, 18 and 17, had jumped off the raft and were attempting to swim to shore.

Officers from Portage la Prairie immediately responded with a police boat.

Upon arrival, officers were advised that a bystander, the 52-year-old woman, swam out to the 18-year-old who was in the water,  and brought her back to shore.

The bystander then swam back out for the 17-year-old and remained with her in the water until the police boat arrived on scene. The police boat picked up both teens who were in the water and then rescued the 18-year-old who had remained on the inflatable raft.

The 17-year-old was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Manaigre says the RCMP would like to recognize the incredible efforts of the bystander who assisted in the rescue of the 17 and 18-year-old females.

Portage la Prairie RCMP continue to investigate.