Barnstable Police Department praise woman for saving beachgoer from drowning

BARNSTABLE, Mass. (WLNE) — The Barnstable Police Department is praising a woman from saving an individual from drowning on Cape Cod this past weekend.

According to a Facebook post, officials received a 9-11 call from Dowses Beach in Osterville reporting a person drowning in the water.

When officers arrived on the scene, they observed that the 46-year-old swimmer in distress had been pulled from the water and was being medically treated by two good Samaritans.

33-year-old Frances Lonergan of Longmeadow was on vacation with her family and newborn baby when she heard the victim’s call for help.

Without hesitation, she jumped into the channel and began pulling the victim to safety.

Another bystander, on vacation from New York, witnessed Lonergan’s selfless act of courage and also jumped in to assist.

The rescued swimmer, who was conscious and alert, was transported to a nearby hospital.

“Witnesses explained that Mrs. Lonergan’s heroic actions undoubtedly saved the swimmer’s life,” the post wrote.

“We are extremely grateful for the bystanders who put their own safety at risk to save the life of a complete stranger. Your actions exemplify true bravery and compassion,” they said.