Ottawa paramedics credit a cyclist and jogger for rescuing a 63-year-old cyclist who fell into the Rideau Canal and was caught in his bike pedals.

Paramedics responded to the Rideau Canal along Colonel By Drive, just south of Dow's Lake, at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

They found a 63-year-old man with injuries to his arm and face after he lost control of his bicycle and fell into the Canal from the Colonel By Drive pathway.

Paramedics said another cyclist and jogger had witnessed the man's fall and they jumped into the water to rescue him.

The man had been sinking because his feet were lodged into the bicycle shoe pedal clips, but the two bystanders freed the man from his bike and pulled him out of the water.

Paramedics credit those two for saving the life of the cyclist, who was taken to hospital in stable condition.

Later on Tuesday, the National Capital Commission called the incident "an unfortunate situation," adding the safety of its pathway users is a priority.

"We are currently gathering the facts and will be reviewing the incident to determine the next steps," according to a written statement.

The NCC is responsible for the pathway along the Rideau Canal, while Parks Canada is responsible for the waterway.