Bodycam Footage Shows Brave Officer Who Can't Swim Rescue A Drowning Infant

November 26, 2022

A police officer in Florida put her own life at risk to save a drowning infant.

The sheriff's office released bodycam video of the harrowing rescue.

Credit: Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

Officer Me'Atia Sanderson with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office was the first to arrive at the scene, the sheriff's office said. She was alerted that the infant was still in the water.

"Police Officers across this country report to work each and everyday to protect and serve their communities. They show up each day knowing they will be faced with unimaginable challenges and dangers; yet they do not know what those challenges or dangers will be or how they will present themselves," the sheriff's office wrote in a Facebook post.

"Sanderson, who does not know how to swim herself, without a second's hesitation, entered the pond to retrieve the child and performed CPR until she was relieved by other responding officers."

Video shows Sanderson, who joined the sheriff's office in 2019, sprinting into the water and make her way to the drowning child.

"Come on, baby," Sanderson can be heard saying as she performs CPR. "Come on!"

The bodycam footage ends when first responders arrive at the scene and take over CPR efforts.

"Her actions, while putting her own life at risk, undoubtedly saved the child's life," the sheriff's office said.

"Wow, one of the bravest things I've seen. That Officer no doubt risked her own life!! Thank you!" one Facebook user wrote.

"This Officer did not walk, she RAN to find the status of that child and didn't hesitate to quickly do what it took to save that precious baby! God was leading and guiding her. Great job officer!" another user commented.

Watch the video below.