Portsmouth Homeowner Rescues Swimmer who Rescued Dog

PORTSMOUTH, RI—A man who saved his dog was saved by a Portsmouth resident who happened to notice a swimmer in distress off McCorrie Beach last week.

The Portsmouth Fire Department responded to the scene shortly after 3:30 p.m. after a 911 call reported a swimmer in distress.

The swimmer was walking a dog who broke free from its leash and entered the water, according to Portsmouth Fire Department Deputy Chief Michael P. O'Brien.

Firefighters arrived with a rescue boat and ambulance about four minutes after the 911 call. As they arrived, "crews witnessed a paddle boarder towing a swimmer back to shore."

Rescuers stood down once they realized that nobody else was in the water.

O'Brien said that the man who ended up in the water was walking several dogs when one got loose. As the dog swam further out and showed no sign of turning back, he went in himself.

"The male swimmer was able to get the dog back to shore and became fatigued. Michael Kearney, of Annette Drive, was observing the events from his nearby home. When he saw the swimmer in distress, he jumped into action," O'Brien said. "Mr. Kearney raced to the shore and entered the water on a paddle board. He was able to reach the swimmer before he went under, towing the swimmer back to shore."

The dog also returned to the shore safely.

The swimmer was evaluated and was uninjured.