Officers Save Drowning Man by Landing Helicopter Near Closed City Pool: ‘Take Me Down Now’

In an extraordinary rescue operation, Baltimore police officers sprang into action to save a man from drowning—landing a helicopter near a pool to make it happen, authorities said.

The incident occurred on Saturday, July 26, when a 25-year-old man nearly drowned while swimming in a pool located in the 800 block of East 43rd Street, according to a statement shared on Facebook.

Dramatic video released by the Baltimore Police Department shows Flight Officer Craig Hoover skillfully landing the department’s helicopter, “Foxtrot,” in a nearby field. That allowed Tactical Flight Officer Andre Smith Jr. to race to the scene and assist the victim.

“After the victim was pulled from the water by bystanders, Officer Smith administered CPR and revived the male,” police said.

In a joint interview with CBS News, Officers Hoover and Smith recounted hearing a water rescue call while airborne and realizing they were close enough to respond. The victim had been swimming in the closed pool with friends when the emergency unfolded.

“When I got down there, I could see he was in bad shape,” Smith told the outlet. “I asked Craig if he could get me down. I said, ‘If you can get me down, take me down now.’ ”

According to NBC affiliate WBAL, this marked Hoover’s first emergency helicopter landing—an extremely rare maneuver.

A former city lifeguard, Smith administered CPR at the scene before the man was rushed to a nearby hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery, CBS News reported.

In a Facebook post following the dramatic rescue, Smith praised both Hoover and their dispatcher—whom he affectionately referred to as “Ms. Angie”—for their coordination.

“We worked together to save a life,” he wrote on Friday, Aug. 1, in response to the widespread praise he and his team have received. “This has never been practiced. We just did what needed to be done.”

Smith also highlighted the dedication of his fellow officers: “I personally witness my fellow colleagues, without hesitation, help treat victims in Baltimore City from drug overdoses, car accidents, cutting, and gunshot injuries DAILY! We do care!”

In the aftermath, officials are reminding the public to learn CPR and to stay out of public pools when they’re closed.