Ex-Marine Police Officer Dives Into 'Freezing' Water To Save Two Teenagers From Drowning

May 04, 2020 by apost team

On the evening of April 21, Officer Luis Salos responded to a call about two teenagers trapped in Etowah River Park in Canton, Georgia. He managed to save them just in time, thanks to his training in the Marine Corps.

Officer Luis Salas of the Canton Police Department in Canton, Georgia, responded to a call about two teenagers in distress at 6:30 p.m. April 21.

A boy and girl had become trapped in the river at Etowah River Park. Clinging to branches trailing in the water, the teens waited desperately for someone to save them.

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"I took off my gear, took my belt off quickly, and my vest off. So I immediately get in the water and swim my way down... until I finally catch up to them," says Officer Salas.

“The both of them are holding on to this branch, and they’re scared and they’re panicking, so I tell them calmly, ‘Hey, I’m Officer Salas, I’m here to help you,'” he said in an interview posted by the Canton Police Department.

The young woman told Salas that she didn’t know how to swim, which made things even more complicated. Salas calmed them down and reassured them that he would help. Soon after other officers arrived and threw a rope and a buoy to the trio stranded in the fast-flowing river.

Thanks to Officer Salas' actions, both teens got safely back on dry land. They were given blankets so they could warm up, and the girl was sent to a nearby hospital to get treatment.

Salas described the water as “freezing.” As a former marine, he’d had the training to deal with such a rescue. “I’ve been in the Marine Corps, so I have taken swimming qualifications many times, and it’s always been in cold water. Always,” he said.

“Honored to know the amazing Officer Salas—and always proud of Canton PD,” wrote one commenter on the department’s post. “Thank you!”

This officer risked his own life to save the boy and girl. What are your thoughts on safety restrictions at parks? Are they enough? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this to your friends and family to get their opinion.