MA Woman Saves Man From Drowning On Cape Cod

BARNSTABLE, MA — A Massachusetts local is being credited with saving a drowning swimmer at a Cape Cod beach of the July 4 holiday weekend.

Barnstable police responded to Dowses Beach in Osterville on Friday for a report of someone drowning in the water. However, when officers arrived they found the 46-year-old swimmer had been pulled from the water and was being helped by two other beachgoers.

Frances Lonergan, 33, of Longmeadow, Mass., is now being credited with saving the man's life after jumping into action.

Police said the victim was unfamiliar with the abrupt drop-off and strong current in the channel and had begun yelling for help as he struggled to reach the surface.

Lonergan, who was on vacation with her family — including a newborn baby — heard the calls for help and "without hesitation" jumped into the channel and pulled the man to safety. Another vacationer from New York witnessed the rescue effort and jumped in to assist.

The rescued swimmer, who was conscious and alert when police arrived, was transported to Cape Cod Hospital for further medical evaluation.