Probationary Police Constable David Schumacher has described how he saved a man’s life during his Saturday night duty.
PC Schumacher was on patrol at around 3.15am on Sunday when a 999 call was received, stating a man was in difficulties in the sea. He was in the first police van to arrive at the scene.
He explains, "When we located the distressed woman who had made the call, we saw the man at the extreme limit of the torch beam on the water, raising his hand to attract attention.
"The tide was going out at the time and he was already at the limit of the torchlight, so I removed my body armour and belt and waded into the sea about 10 metres to talk to him.
"The water temperature started to take effect and after about five minutes he stopped responding, giving us cause for concern about his welfare as he had already been in the water some time.
"For me to go into the water is a last resort action and I was aware Douglas Lifeboat had been called and ambulance and fire crews were on their way to the scene.
"My colleagues on the beach were relaying information to the control room, and Sergeant Ged Power took control of the incident at the beach, and waded into the sea to where I was.
"He authorised me to attempt a rescue when suddenly the man shouted out, “I’m freezing, I can’t move” and we realised his life was in grave danger, and it was critical I get to him.
"I swam out about 50 metres to reach him. I saw my tie floating away but I didn’t stop to remove any uniform, not even my boots."
The Constabulary’s initial training, which PC Schumacher began in January, includes water-based lifesaving training - but it is not compulsory for any officer to attempt a rescue.
PC Schumacher adds, "We’ve got to weigh up each situation at the time and I knew I was a strong swimmer and that the situation that night was critical.
"The water temperature had started to take its toll and I was relieved to be able to reach him and get him back to the beach."
The man, who is local and aged 20, was taken to Noble’s Hospital, Douglas, and is believed to have made a full recovery.
PC Schumacher returned to Lord Street Police Station for a shower and his spare uniform, before continuing on duty until his shift ended at 8am on Sunday.
Officer in charge of Douglas NPT, Inspector Kev Willson, said, "This was an infrequent event that requires quick thinking and it’s very pleasing to see an officer of such short service is able to recognise when urgent action is needed to prevent a tragedy occurring."
PC Schumacher, 23, is just five months into his two year probationary period, having completed basic training in April, when he received the Mike Ward Trophy for best student in his class.
Originally from Huyton, Liverpool, he served three years in the army including seven months in Basra, Iraq, in 3rd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery.
His lifelong ambition, however, has always been to have a career in the police service, and he applied to join Isle of Man Constabulary at the first opportunity.
