An Oklahoma game warden was hailed as a hero after rescuing a man who dragged in water vortex

An Oklahoma game warden is being lauded for acting quickly to save a guy who was pulled into a whirlpool of water below a dam earlier this month.

Warden of the Game Riley Willman, an Owasso resident, was monitoring for angler compliance near Flint Creek Water Park in Delaware County on May 11 when he heard cries coming from the other bank, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC).

“‘Help, cops, call 911!’ I heard them yell. Someone is drowning!’… And I saw they were pointing to a low-water dam “Willman explained.

According to the EPA, the stream was full at the time and running swiftly due to heavy rain the day before.

Willman plunged into the creek and swam through the churning waves below the dam. Willman was informed by a friend of the victim who was in the water that his friend had leaped into the water and been pulled under by the vortex. He claimed to have been underwater for several minutes.

According to the agency, Willman swam to the vortex’s edge but was unable to locate the victim. Willman called what happened next a “lucky break.”

“Fortunately, he appeared at the proper time for me to catch him,” the game warden explained.

Willman dragged the victim onto the bank with bluish lips and no pulse. According to the agency, Willman conducted multiple rounds of CPR until the man’s pulse returned.

The victim was taken to a hospital in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He was freed the next day.

“We would want to congratulate Warden Willman for his actions, even if he has dismissed being branded a hero in this scenario,” the ODWC stated. “Game wardens are public servants sworn to safeguard animals and the public’s outdoor interests, and Willman has shown that.”