FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mike Caskey
August 25, 2008 (Office) 980-234-0803
(Cell) 704-640-9678
Pr.tycobbforcongress@gmail.com
Congressional Candidate Makes a Rescue
Salisbury – In addition to campaigning for US House of Representatives from North Carolina’s 12th congressional district, Ty Cobb, Jr. uses his spare time as a volunteer lifeguard at the Salisbury, NC municipal pool at Lincoln Park.
In January, the Salisbury Post ran an article about possible closing of the Lincoln Park pool due to leakage and an inability to identify certified lifeguards to work at the pool. Previously, this meant that children had to wait outside until someone left the pool as Red Cross guidance specifies one lifeguard for every 25 swimmers. Cobb spoke with the Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department and worked out a procedure whereby he would fill in as available when lifeguard shortages would keep children from swimming, and he agreed to do so for free.
Salisbury was able to repair the pool leakage and two lifeguards were hired before the summer swimming season started. As the summer progressed, Mr. Cobb was asked to fill in for several days to allow one lifeguard to attend summer ROTC training. Fortunately, Cobb was available.
Mr. Cobb, a retired Army combat-wounded, infantry Vietnam veteran, spent several days, in the chair, watching out after swimmers at play.
Then it happened. Near closing time one hot day with about 20 swimmers in the pool, Cobb was the only lifeguard on duty. As he scanned the L-shaped pool, he noted one young adult land hard on his back in deep water. Continuing his scan, Mr. Cobb noticed the swimmer was “lingering” on the bottom in 9 feet deep water. One more scan and the swimmer failed to surface. Cobb went into action, executed a surface dive, reached the bottom and pulled the swimmer, choking and spiting, to the surface. After being towed to the side the swimmer coughed for a few minutes and was able to walk away on his own. Quick action had brought him to the surface in time to prevent the need for CPR. One lucky swimmer!
Colonel (retired) Cobb said the swimmer was definitely in trouble, as he exhibited signs Cobb had been taught at the YMCA of a swimmer in peril. Remembering the catch phrases, “When in doubt, check it out,” and “If you don’t know, go,” Cobb simply reacted to his training.
Cobb resides in Rowan County with his wife, Beverly, near their daughter’s family that includes two of Cobb’s five grandsons.
Colonel Cobb with the young man he rescued Johnny Moses
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Cobb for Congress, PO Box 301, Rockwell, NC 28138 Phone 980-234-0803
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