Marine Rescues Couple

| February 22, 2021

Marine recognized for saving drowning couple from rough waters in California

“It’s what Marines are expected to do.”
BY DAVID ROZA

When Cpl. Jordan Perez heard a couple calling for help, he ripped off his boots and sprang into action. The Marine saw two civilian kayakers, their vessel capsized in the waters of 21 Area Boat Basin, a training section for amphibious vehicles at Camp Pendleton, California that opens up onto the Pacific Ocean.

It was around 1 p.m. on Feb. 15, and large, sharp boulders in the basin had caused strong waves that flipped the kayak, leaving the kayakers struggling in the water.

“That’s when I took action,” said Perez in a recent press release. A combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Perez was working at a nearby construction project when another Marine noticed the drowning couple. “I took my boots off and just started swimming.”

The Marine swam 250 meters through the choppy waves to reach the kayakers. He grabbed the woman’s hand, pulled her back on the kayak and started pushing the boat back to the rocks. The woman’s husband could swim, but he started panicking halfway to the shore. Perez swam back to the man, put a life jacket on him, and continued pushing the woman to safety.

Going swimming is a rescue last resort, but if you go, take something that floats along. BZ to Cpl. Perez- the kayakers were lucky he was around. Read the rest of the article here: Task and Purpose

Category: Bravo Zulu, Marines

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KoB

I’d like to buy that young man the refreshing beverage of his choice. Or 12.

BZ CPL Jordan Perez!

rgr1480

Cpl Perez’s chain of command need to put him in for the Navy and Marine Corps Lifesaving Medal!

Good job, Marine!

5JC

Thank God there was a man around.