Body cam footage captures rescue of 7-year-old boy from Lock 24’s freezing waters
By: -----
Baldwinsville, NY - Seven-year-old Makai Bay is safe after slipping into Lock 24’s freezing waters, all thanks to quick actions from first responders and a bystander who witnessed the Baldwinsville second-grader walk his bike across the lock before the terrifying fall.
NewsChannel 9’s exclusive body camera footage reveals the tense moments of this crew pulling the seven-year-old to rescue, who struggled to stay warm and afloat. The raw footage uncovers the desperate cries of Makai as a Baldwinsville Police officer rushed to the scene.
“Hey, buddy, we’re coming for you, okay? Just stay right there,” an officer said to Makai.
Baldwinsville’s North West District Station Chief Tony Mcintyre was one of the members of this life-saving team who climbed down the lock. With the assistance of the rest, they were able to hoist one of them down to reach Makai.
Bystander Ed Rohmer witnessed Makai walk his bike across the lock before slipping in. After calling first responders, he later lowered the bike, so the seven-year-old could grab one of the tires to be pulled to safety, assuring him that he was okay and not drowning.
” It’s kind of unconventional tactics, but time was the essence with the water temperatures. Hypothermia is very much a problem,” Chief Mcintyre told NewsChannel 9.
This team got ahold of Makai, finally pulling him out of the frigid water where he was cold and shaking but, most importantly, alive.