An RCMP officer in western Manitoba took an unexpected polar bear plunge to rescue a woman from a partially submerged vehicle.

The Manitoba RCMP says the officer was driving on Highway 83 between Russell and Roblin, Man. during an early April snowstorm when he came across a vehicle in a water-filled ditch.

The officer was worried the female driver would contract hypothermia, and waded into the icy waters to pull her out.

The RCMP says the officer was able to carry the driver out and kept her warm in his cruiser until EMS arrived.