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Explorer Braves Cold Waters to Rescue Crash Victims

A Florida Explorer got more than just a glimpse into the law enforcement profession last Saturday when a vehicle careened into a pond nearby.

Explorer Jacob U. of the Gulf Stream Council got a call from his grandmother that evening, telling him to quickly call 911 because a vehicle had crashed into a retention pond.

Jacob rushed to the scene to discover the crashed vehicle submerged in the pond. The passengers—a man, woman, and 2-year-old girl had also been thrown into the water along with the vehicle.

Explorer Jake U. jumped into a pond to save passengers of a submerged vehicle. (Photo credit: WPBF)
Explorer Jake U. jumped into a pond to save passengers of a submerged vehicle. (Photo credit: WPBF)

Around the same time, the sheriff’s office where Jacob participates in the Exploring program received the accident report. The deputies immediately rushed to the scene, which happened to be just across the street, according to WKMG ClickOrlando.

Ready to help, the brave teen used the skills he learned from lifeguard training to rescue the young girl from the water. While he was assisting the toddler, deputies dragged the woman to safety and with the help of local fire rescue responders, pulled the man to shore as well.

The Explorer worked with local authorities to bring the crash victims to shore. (Photo credit: WPBF)
The Explorer worked with local authorities to bring the crash victims to shore. (Photo credit: WPBF)

Jacob surely learned what it means to protect and serve while in the frigid water that night. His determination to help others was steadfast even though the water had been as cold as 57 degrees.

“I was just destined to try and get the baby to shore as soon as possible,” Jacob told WPBF News.

BSA’s Exploring program aims to give youth opportunities to experience different career paths so they can get a true sense of what it’s like in a field of interest. Without a doubt, a look into the life of law enforcement is just what this valiant Explorer got!

You can learn more about Jacob’s daring rescue by reading the full stories from  WPBF News and WKMG ClickOrlando.

To learn more about discovering real-world career experiences, check out BSA’s Exploring program!

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Rochelle

Rochelle Randles is a communications specialist at the Boy Scouts of America. She enjoys sharing incredible adventure stories within the Scouting community and beyond. If you have story ideas or questions, reach out to us at communications@scouting.org.