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South Tahoe boat hand saves drowning teen

Jack Barnwell
jbarnwell@tahoedailytribune.com
Jacob Callanan (second from left), a Ski Run Boat Company employee, stands with South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston (left), Mayor Hal Cole and Fireman Al Martinez on Aug. 1. Callanan saved a young woman from drowning on July 25 near Ski Run Marina.
Tracy Franklin / City of South Lake Tahoe |

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Jacob Callanan, 24, a Ski Run Boat Company boat hand, didn’t hesitate on July 25 when he jumped into the water after hearing screams for help near Ski Run Marina. The act saved a drowning woman’s life.

“I knew there was someone in trouble and I was going to get to that person as fast as possible,” Callanan said.

According to Callanan, there had been two people struggling in the water at the time he responded. A young girl was attempting to rescue her teenage cousin, the drowning woman.



“I went toward her and she waved toward her cousin, saying to help her,” Callanan said.

A foreign tourist helped the girl to shore while Callanan saved the drowning woman.



“The other person definitely did her part in helping,” Callanan said.

He prescribed immediate first aid to the unnamed woman after getting her to shore. Callanan said he has first responder and emergency medical service training as a former hospital employee.

Callanan spent two seasons working at Ski Run Boat Company, but it was his first time responding to a call for help.

Mayor Hal Cole said Callanan was a good example of a responsible citizen.

“People like you make us proud to live here in this community,” said Mayor Hal Cole of Callanan. “You give us a lot of hope.”


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