Good Samaritans rush to rescue a drowning man on Cape Cod

BARNSTABLE – A woman vacationing with her family on Cape Cod rushed to help, along with another Good Samaritan, to save a man from drowning.

It happened on Friday at Dowses Beach in Osterville. An emergency call alerted the police and fire department about the near-drowning death.

Barnstable police said the 46-year-old man was unfamiliar with the canal’s steep drop and strong current. He began screaming for help and struggled to get back to the surface.

Good Samaritan jumped in “without hesitation”

According to witnesses, 33-year-old Frances Lonergan of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, acted “without hesitation.” She was on the beach with her family and newborn baby, but rushed into the water when she heard the man’s cries for help.

Police said another Good Samaritan saw Lonergan’s “selfless act of courage” and also jumped into the water to help.

Measures “undoubtedly saved the swimmer’s life”

The man was conscious and alert when he was pulled from the water. He was taken by ambulance to Cape Cod Hospital for further evaluation.

Police did not provide any update on his condition, but said his life was saved by the quick intervention of beachgoers.

“Witnesses stated that Mrs. Lonergan’s heroic actions undoubtedly saved the swimmer’s life,” Barnstable police said in a statement. “We are extremely grateful to the bystanders who risked their own safety to save the life of a complete stranger. Your actions are an example of true courage and compassion. Well done!”