Anthony Capuano of New Jersey lost his leg in an accident 12 years ago, but he’s proud to say it’s never held him back.
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The 29-year-old is a certified swim instructor and lifeguard at the British Swim School. He’s also the kind of person you’d want around in an emergency – especially if it involves water.
On November 10, Anthony was working near Newark Bay when he noticed a car sinking into the water. The driver had been pulling over to answer his phone when he lost control. Accidentally pressing his foot on both the brake and accelerator pedals, the 68-year-old drove straight into the bay.
Dropping everything, Anthony threw off his prosthetic leg, jumped in the water, and swam over to the car. When he reached it, he calmed the panicking stranger down. “He was like, ‘I can’t swim, I can’t swim,'” Anthony recalled. “I said, ‘It’s OK, I’m a lifeguard.'”
He and another rescuer, Marcelino Cruz, brought the man safely back to shore. While we’re sure he was shaken up, he wasn’t injured!
Later, Anthony said he was just following his instincts, but Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis rightfully praised him for disregarding his own safety to save a life.
“We were amazed that this man, Anthony, was the one that went in there,” added Helena Bilodeau, who watched the rescue unfold. “And we learned that Anthony has one leg missing. … His physical condition did not stop him.”
If anything, Anthony wants this story to encourage others. He said, “To my fellow amputees out there, I would just say don’t let anything stop you.”
His courageous actions are more proof that his words ring true! Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and limb differences, after all!
See him in action in the video below, and share this story to thank the everyday hero.
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