OSTERVILLE — A 46-year-old man struggling in the waters of Dowses Beach was saved by two quick-thinking vacationers in a dramatic rescue on July 5.
According to the Barnstable Police Department, they received a 911 call reporting a drowning at around 4 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers found the swimmer had already been pulled to shore, where he was receiving medical attention from the good Samaritans.
Frances Lonergan, 33, of Longmeadow, who was on vacation with her family and newborn baby, heard the distressed swimmer’s cries for help and immediately dove into the channel to assist him.
She was joined by another vacationer from New York, who also witnessed the incident and jumped into the water to help.
The victim, who experienced difficulty due to an unexpected drop-off and a strong current, was conscious and alert when transported to Cape Cod Hospital by COMM Fire for further evaluation.
Witnesses at the scene praised Mrs. Lonergan for her bravery, crediting her timely intervention with saving the man’s life.
The Barnstable Police Department expressed gratitude to the individuals who risked their own safety to aid a stranger in distress.
