Two OKC Police Officers Save Woman From Drowning

Left with little choice, two Oklahoma City Police Officers jump in to Lake Hefner to rescue a drowning woman. The rescue happened on Sunday, but the officers are sharing their story Wednesday.

Strong winds, overturned one of the kayaks, leaving the woman holding on for life. Her screams to desperately find help echoed around the lake Sunday night.

“She's got a life vest on right now you can hear her screaming you can see her. She's about 20 yards out,” the AirOne pilot said.

These were the screams that helped rescuers locate a metro woman who had been in the cold, dark waters of Lake Hefner for 45 minutes.

Over the weekend, she and her husband took their kayaks out on the lake.

But strong winds overturned her kayak about 200 yards off shore.

Unable to rescue his wife the man paddled back to land and called police.

“We got up on the dam, having a hard time finding the lady in the water. We can definitely hear her screaming saying she needed help,” said MSgt. Jimmy Parsons, Oklahoma City Police.

Low lake levels prevented them from launching their patrol boat.

And with cold water temperatures MSgt. Jimmy Parsons and MSgt. JR Northrup knew they had to act fast to save the drowning woman who couldn't swim.

“The water was very cold and it was a tough swim to go out and get her, but she was definitely needing help and there was no way to leave her out there,” said MSgt. JR Northrup, Oklahoma City Police.

The AirOne's infrared camera caught a bird's eye view of the rescue.

“We just kind of did what he had to do and not a whole lot of time to stop and think. Just grabbed some life jackets and went and got her,” said Parsons.

The officers rushed the woman to shore and into a warm ambulance.

“She's a very tough person and she pulled through,” said MSgt. JR Northrup.

Police stress this is why it's important to always wear a life jacket or at least have one with you.

News 9 spoke with the woman's husband who said she is doing just fine.