Bodycam Footage Captures Officer Saving Man from Falling Off Boat in Port St. Lucie
Officer’s Quick Thinking Saves Life of 55-Year-Old Man
On Monday evening, a 911 call was made to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, reporting a man who had fallen off his sailboat and was in distress. Officer Ryan Lodwick was the first to arrive at the scene at the Club Med Boat Ramps.
The Rescue
Officer Lodwick began searching the boat ramps, calling out for anyone in distress. When he reached the last ramp, he found the victim, 55-year-old Charles Dunn, hanging from one of the ropes on the dock. "When I got to him, I could see he was struggling, and I was able to deploy this disc that we use for rescues to him in the water," he said.
Assistance from First Responders
First responders from the Port St. Lucie County Fire District also arrived to assist with the rescue. Once Dunn was out of the water, he told officers that he was working on his sailboat when he fell off into the water and couldn’t get himself out. He had managed to cling to one of the ropes attached from the sailboat to the dock and dialed 911.
Officer’s Heroic Actions
The victim was in a lot of distress, according to Officer Lodwick. "He had stated at one point in the hospital that he was ready to give up. He was struggling for maybe 20 or 30 minutes, and luckily, we got there in the time that we did." Officer Lodwick is grateful that he was able to help and attributes his knowledge of the area to his quick response. "I’m glad I was able to find him and I’m glad I made the right decision to come to this location. Again, just knowing my district and knowing where these boats are, it was a calculated risk, and it worked out."
Aftermath
The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for hypothermia.
Conclusion
Officer Lodwick’s quick thinking and bravery saved the life of Charles Dunn, who was struggling in the water for over 20 minutes. This heroic act is a testament to the importance of knowing one’s surroundings and being prepared to respond to emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the purpose of the 911 call?
The 911 call was made to report a man who had fallen off his sailboat and was in distress. - Who was the first to respond to the scene?
Officer Ryan Lodwick was the first to respond to the scene at the Club Med Boat Ramps. - How did Officer Lodwick assist the victim?
Officer Lodwick deployed a rescue disc to pull the victim out of the water. - What were the victim’s injuries?
The victim was treated for hypothermia at a nearby hospital.
