Professional Jump Roper Saves Drowning Teen And Dog Using Double-Dutch Ropes

January 30, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Westfield, Indiana.

David Fisher, a professional jump roper, and his son Felix are being celebrated as heroes for their quick-thinking actions that saved a teenager and his dog from drowning in icy waters.

pro jump roper saves man and dog
WRTV Indianapolis

David has traveled the world as a professional rope jumper. He also writes children's books about a jump-roping hero. Last December, David's fiction stories became a reality.

The life-saving incident occurred on December 14, 2024, when Felix heard desperate cries for help. He quickly alerted his father, and the duo followed the sounds to discover their 19-year-old neighbor and his dog trapped in an icy pond. The teenager had fallen through the ice while attempting to rescue his pet, leaving both in a perilous situation.

David, a three-time world record jump rope champion, instinctively grabbed his Double Dutch ropes to assist. Speaking to local media outlet WRTV, David recalled the tense moments.

“I just instinctively went right for my bag of jump ropes and pulled out the Double Dutch ropes,” he said. “I headed out on the ice pond, and as I started to go out there, I could hear the ice cracking underneath my feet.”

Despite the danger, David pressed on, slinging the rope to the teenager.

“When I finally did arrive, I slung the rope to him, and he grabbed one handle, and bit by bit, we pulled him out of the ice pond,” he recalled.

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis praised the duo’s bravery.

"I’ve always known that Westfield is filled with brave, kind-hearted people, but what David and Felix did is absolutely remarkable. Their courageous actions are the definition of what it looks like to care for your neighbor."

Thanks to their swift actions, both the teenager and his dog were safely rescued.

Watch the video below.