Stranger saves 6-year-old boy from drowning in pool: ‘I just did what I had to do’

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WFOR) - A 6-year-old boy who started drowning in a Florida swimming pool is alive, thanks to a stranger who rushed to help.

Surveillance video shows the terrifying moment last Wednesday when 6-year-old Oscar went underwater in a Fort Lauderdale swimming pool and began struggling to breathe.

Roque Ivan Ocampo heard screaming and ran to help, tossing his shoes and diving into the deep end. He pulled Oscar to the surface, someone helped them out of the water and he quickly began lifesaving measures.

“I started doing R. The kid wasn’t breathing, but I keep doing it and doing it until he started breathing again,” Ocampo said.

Police bodycam video captured officers comforting the boy after taking over care.

“Can you squeeze my hand, buddy? You’re doing good,” one officer can be heard saying, as another rushed him to paramedics.

The 6-year-old survived thanks to Ocampo, a total stranger who knew who to perform R.

“I don’t feel like a hero. I just did what I had to do. I feel good. I’m blessed to be able to help this kid,” Ocampo said.

Experts stress the lifesaving benefits of R, even when performed by someone without formal training.

Many local governments offer free R training. The Red Cross also has classes in many cities for a small fee.

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