A Boston man says he is lucky to be alive after jumping into the freezing Charles River to rescue his dog, a dramatic effort that was captured on video.
The man, whose name has not been released, told reporters he acted on instinct when his dog fell into the icy water. “I actually thought I was going to drown,” he said. The rescue took place near the Harvard Bridge, where temperatures were near freezing.
Bystanders called 911, and emergency crews arrived to pull both the man and his dog from the water. The dog was treated for hypothermia and is expected to recover fully. The man was also treated at a local hospital and released.
The incident has sparked discussions about pet safety near frozen bodies of water. Authorities remind pet owners to keep dogs on leashes near ice and to avoid trying to rescue animals in dangerous conditions, instead calling for professional help.
