A man was saved from drowning Tuesday afternoon after he fell into the base of the Ithaca Falls, according to Ithaca Police.
Shortly before 1:25 p.m., the man was trying to touch the water gushing down the falls when he slipped and fell into the water, according to Jamie Williamson, public information officer for the Ithaca Police Department. The man struggled to stay above the water, witnesses told police, and he appeared to be drowning.
A friend who had accompanied the man to the falls pulled him out of the water and immediately began administering CPR, according to Williamson.
Upon arriving to the scene, Bangs Ambulance personnel took over CPR rescue efforts, Williamson said. The man — who was unconscious but breathing on his own — was transported to a regional hospital for treatment.
He has since regained consciousness and been able to answer doctors’ questions, according to Williamson.
On Wednesday, the Ithaca Police urged the public to remember to use caution when visiting Ithaca’s gorges and waterways, which have been the sites of several drownings over the years.
“Underwater currents, unsteady terrain, and other unforeseeable dangers make our gorges and waterways dangerous if not enjoyed responsibly and lawfully,” a statement from the IPD said. “Please enjoy our beautiful city responsibly and safely.”
Original Author: Akane Otani