South Lake Tahoe man honored for saving drowning woman

July 25, 2015 will always be known as the day Jacob "Jake" Callanan saved a life.

The 24-year-old South Lake Tahoe man was working at Ski Run Marina as a boat deck hand when he responded to a woman screaming from the lake. He waded out, found a submerged woman and carried her to shore.

Armed with EMS and first responder training, Callanan was able to start life saving measures and placed her in a recovery position. South Lake Tahoe fireman Al Martinez (and Fireman of the Year) was heading down Ski Run Blvd and made it to the beach where Callanan was about five minutes after the initial call.

“His quick actions definitely saved this person’s life,” said South Lake Tahoe Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Al Martinez.

The City of South Lake Tahoe recognized Callanan for his brave actions at today’s City Council meeting.

“Today we are going to recognize someone who is a citizen hero today,” said South Lake Tahoe Fire Department Chief Jeff Meston.

An unknown foreign tourist also helped in the lifesaving efforts. Jake said he saw the screaming woman first, and headed to her, but she sent him to the submerged woman he ended up saving. The tourist then helped the other woman.