A day at the beach can be an incredible way to celebrate the sunshine and warm temperatures, but we always need to respect the ocean. The unpredictability of the waters and what could be lurking within them makes a swim in the sea something to be treated with great caution. If you are not a strong swimmer, there are unfavorable swimming conditions (like strong currents) and no lifeguards on duty, you will want to reconsider getting into the water. And three people recently found themselves in trouble on a Florida beach!
Luckily, one man, Fernando Carrera, heard their cries for help and sprang into action. He saved three people from drowning and has reflected on the moment, and what was going through his head at the time, in an interview with NBCSouthFlorida.
Man Visiting From South Carolina Rescues Three Swimmers In Distress
According to NBCSouthFlorida, Carrera was visiting from South Carolina. He was on the beach when “he heard screaming and saw a swimmer who was struggling,” the outlet reports. Carrera was interviewed and recalled how he knew he needed to do something, but also asked God, “Please don’t let this be my last day.” His concerns are valid because rescuing a drowning person is incredibly dangerous because of the panic they are experiencing; they can try to pull you down with them. His actions are extremely heroic, but also go against the safety advice.
“NEVER attempt a direct rescue of a conscious drowning victim without proper training,” Utah Safety Council states.
Despite this, Carrera acted on instinct. He recounted how he approached a man and told him, “Stay with me,” and that the man could hear him and saw him coming to help him. “I reach out to him, I get a hold of him and I start, you know, trying to get him out,” Carrera recalled. After rescuing the man, he returned to the strong currents again to rescue two more people who were farther in. “I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness,’” he said, noticing two teens were in trouble.
The interview was shared on TikTok, in addition to grainy video footage of Carrera emerging from the water with the people he saved. Many have reacted to Carrera’s bravery, with some even hailing him as “Superman.”
“Saving 3 people is crazy bro Superman,” a comment reads. “What an amazing man god bless him,” another shared. Other reactions include, “This man needs an Award!” and “Give this man a job as a life guard. he’s legit.”
According to NBCSouthFlorida, five people were rescued (three by Carrera) and transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Thanks to this man’s bravery and determination, what could have been a terrible piece of news turned into something positive.
