Police Officer jumps off dock into water to save woman in Beaufort County

View from the top of the observation tower at The Sands in Port Royal. The dock where the rescue happened is in the distance to the left.Photo byExplore Beaufort

On Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm Port Royal Police Officer Karina Fraire-Galindo was on patrol at the Sands Beach in Port Royal, South Carolina. According to a release by the Town, While patroling, the officer spotted a female on the floating dock that appeared to be in distress. As she parked her patrol vehicle to check on the individual she received a dispatch call of a female in distress at the Sands who was threatening suicide, she quickly made contact with the female who was crying and upset and standing on the far edge of the dock.

As the officer attempted to get the female to walk away from the edge she began to resist the officers attempt to help her and she then jumped into the water.

Officer Fraire-Galindo removed her body armor and weapon and jumped into the water and was able to grab the female and swim to the shore line and was assisted by bystanders in getting her out of the water.

The 23 year old woman was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital by Beaufort County EMS where she received the assistance she needed.

The selfless actions of Officer Fraire-Galindo most certainly saved this young woman and we commend her for going over and beyond the call of duty.

Officer Fraire-Galindo has been a member of the town of Port Royal Police Department since September 2023.

She graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in February 2024 and was just recently released from the Field Training Program.

Prior to joining the police department, she served honorably in the United States Marine Corps.

Port Royal Police Officer Karina Fraire-GalindoPhoto byTon of Port Royal Police Department