PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — A woman is safe thanks to the swift and brave actions of four Palm Beach Gardens police officers who jumped into a canal to rescue her from a sinking vehicle.
On July 24, police and fire rescue units responded to the 5500 block of Tamberlane Circle, for reports of a submerged vehicle. The driver was found slumped in her seat, unconscious.
WATCH: Officers recount tense moments during canal rescue
Palm Beach Gardens police released body cam video of the rescue, which shows a responding officer running up to the canal.
Four Palm Beach Gardens officers swam roughly 20 yards to the car, which was quickly going into the water. Video shows them breaking the rear passenger window to get to the driver, who can then be heard screaming.
"It's gonna sink!" yells one officer.
"He's got her, he's got her, he's got her!" yells another.
Officer Kristen Slaughter, one of the rescuers, recounted the tense moments to WPTV: "I remember specifically going, 'Oh my gosh, I can see her.'"
Officer Josh Kennedy added, "She was unconscious. The water went up to her head."
With teamwork and determination, they managed pull the driver out. Officer Kennedy noted, "I pulled myself into the car, and I just grabbed her."
WATCH FULL RESCUE HERE:
The driver is now recovering. Officer Slaughter expressed her team’s concern, stating, "We were all just so concerned about her."
While the officers are being hailed as heroes for their quick response, Officer Slaughter emphasized that the credit should go beyond just the four of them.
"The heroes aren't just the ones who went in the water; it's the other ones as well," she said.
The rescue highlights not only the bravery of the officers but also the potential dangers they faced in the dark, murky waters, including the presence of alligators.
"I figured the impact of the car, hopefully, would have spooked everything away," Officer Kennedy explained.
In Palm Beach Gardens, the officers continue to receive praise for their life-saving actions, which serve as a reminder of the dangers that can arise in emergency situations.
