Man Rescued From Canal On Christmas Day In Hillsborough County: Watch

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Two deputies sprang into action on Christmas Day to save a potentially drowning man from a canal just south of the Selmon Expressway in Palm River, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post. (Watch a video from the rescue below.)

After receiving a call about the man, the deputies hopped in a rowboat. As they approached him in the water, they realized he was experiencing “a mental health event” and would need further assistance when they returned to shore, the sheriff’s office said.

They were able to bring him to safety “thanks to their quick thinking and help from community members,” according to the department.

"I'm thoroughly impressed with the teamwork between our deputies and the Good Samaritans in our community," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "Please, if you're undergoing a mental health crisis, know that there are resources available. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is there to serve our community by dialing 211."

Watch a video from the rescue: