Devin George, 30, is being remembered as a hero by family and colleagues. George drowned Saturday while rescuing a child from a swimming hole in Dildo. (Warren’s Funeral Home)

The Paramedic Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is mourning the loss of one of its members after 30-year-old Devin George died shortly after rescuing a child at a swimming lake in eastern Newfoundland.

The RCMP confirmed Tuesday that a 30-year-old man died near Ballfield Road in Dildo on Saturday afternoon.

In 2014, George became a paramedic, a profession that matches his passion for helping others, according to his obituary.

“Devin dedicated his life to what he was trained to do, saving the lives of others,” George’s family said in a statement to the Paramedic Association. “He gave his life to save a little boy… and will always be a hero in my eyes.”

According to his family, he served in the province and across Canada.

George will be remembered as a hero.

“He shone with the light of selfless love/ A hero in every way, now he is gone/ His legacy of courage and grace/ Forever in our hearts, a sacred place,” his obituary reads.

Witnesses reported that he went underwater after helping a small child reach shore safely.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Whitbourne received a report shortly after 3:30 p.m. NT on Saturday that George had not resurfaced after going into hiding.

A Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer and firefighters entered the water and found George shortly afterwards. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

The local fire brigade and rescue service were also on duty.

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