Oklahoma City Police Officer Speaks On Attempt To Save Drowning Man

An Oklahoma City officer is speaking out on his attempt to save a drowning man in Lake Overholser.

Lieutenant Issac Goodman was one of the first to respond to a call of a boat that capsized on Friday.

When Lt. Goodman arrived to Lake Overholser, he said several people were trying to rescue a man from the water. Goodman said he threw the man a life jacket.

“He was able to get a hold of it, but he was so fatigued that he didn't have the strength to even put one arm through one of the arm holes,” Goodman said.

In a few short moments, Goodman said he noticed the victim appeared to lose consciousness.

"At that point, I felt that he had passed out from exertion or exhaustion or been knocked out from hitting against that post repeatedly,” Goodman said.

As more rescue crews arrived, Goodman felt comfortable jumping in the lake.

“Not seeing what the lake was doing, I got hit by a really big wave and it slammed me against a concrete post,” Goodman said. “It jarred him loose from the grasp of my legs.”

Goodman was unable to get a firmer grip on the victim. When firefighters arrived, they attempted to rescue the man.

“To watch somebody die right in front of you, despite your best efforts to try and save them, it's just really, really frustrating,” Goodman said.

As the weather begins to warm up, Goodman wants people to remember to take the necessary safety protocols in large bodies of water.

Goodman also stressed that if you see someone that needs help to not put yourself in danger. Instead, call 911.