A dramatic rescue caught on security camera in Florida has gone viral after a passerby risked his own safety to save a 6-year-old boy who was moments away from drowning in a backyard swimming pool.
The chilling footage shows the child accidentally slipping into the deep end while playing near the pool’s edge on a hot afternoon. Within seconds, the boy began to struggle, unable to keep his head above water. His small arms flailed helplessly as he tried to grab onto a floating toy.
Fortunately, a man walking nearby heard splashing and rushed toward the sound. The stranger, later identified as John Miller, was using crutches due to a recent leg injury — but that didn’t stop him.
Security camera footage shows Miller throwing his crutches aside and hobbling toward the pool before plunging in without hesitation. Despite his limited mobility, he managed to grab the child and lift him out of the water onto the poolside.
“I didn’t think twice,” Miller later told reporters. “All I could think about was getting that kid out of the water.”
Neighbors quickly rushed over, and one of them — a retired nurse — began performing CPR as Miller stayed by the boy’s side. After a tense few moments, the child coughed up water and started breathing again.
Emergency services arrived minutes later and transported the boy to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed he would make a full recovery. The child’s parents, who were inside the house at the time, said they had only turned away “for a few seconds.”
Police praised Miller’s incredible bravery. “He acted faster than most people could have,” said Officer Dana Lopez. “His quick thinking and courage are the reason that boy is alive today.”
The story has since captured hearts across social media, with many calling Miller a hero. Videos of the rescue have been viewed millions of times, with commenters praising his selflessness.
“Not all heroes wear capes — some walk on crutches,” one user wrote. Another added, “That man didn’t just save a life — he saved a family from tragedy.”
Experts say the incident is a powerful reminder of the dangers of unsupervised swimming and the importance of pool safety. According to the CDC, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among children under 10 in the United States.
“Accidents happen in seconds,” said water safety instructor Carla Jennings. “But so can miracles — thanks to people like John Miller.”
When asked if he considered himself a hero, Miller shook his head.
“I just did what anyone should do,” he said. “That little boy gets to go home — and that’s all that matters.”
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