A father from Florida did a ‘Superman jump’ over a fence into a swimming pool to save his son from drowning, in a video that's gone viral.
Albert Passavanti from Palm County said that ‘paternal instinct’ took over as soon as he realised on-year-old son Rocco had slipped under the water. He had walked through a half-open pool gate to retrieve a ball when the incident happened.
Rocco lost his footing and fell into the pool, prompting dad Albert to leap over the four foot fence separating patio and pool.
The intense moment was captured via the family’s Nest camera, and the video was shared to Twitter by WPTV reporter Andrew Lofholm.
Seconds later, Albert and Rocco emerged from the water unharmed, but definitely shaken up by the whole incident.
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Speaking to local news station WPTV, the father said ‘The second you see it you get Superman strength and just have to go for it.’
‘It didn’t even cross my mind to go around, it was point A to point B.’
Albert admits he always makes sure he’s aware of where his children are at all times, crediting his attentive nature for being able to jump in and save Rocco from the unthinkable.
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His actions were praised by Anna Stewart from the Drowning Prevention of Coalition of Palm Beach County, but she also urged parents to be safe in similar situations. Parents must be able to safely get out too, otherwise the situation becomes worse.
In a statement, Anna said ‘She said: ‘You can drown also, but we know parents are going to do what they’re going to do, right?’
‘They’re going to go in and save their children.’
She recommends teaching children to swim as early as possible, as this is the best way to keep them safe because instinct will kick in should they get into any danger.
