Local officer rescues woman from rapids near Niagara Falls

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — A local officer jumped into action to save a woman from being swept into the rapids near Niagara Falls Friday afternoon.

During New York State Park Officer Nathan Sibenik’s patrol around Niagara Falls State Park, multiple people flagged him down, saying a woman was in the rapids and needed help.

Without thinking twice, the officer jumped into the rapids to save her.

“You kind of don’t really think. You just go based off your training,” he said. “I knew that I just had to get in there quickly, get into the water, grab that person, shield that person and recover them to a safe area.”

Sibenik’s quick response highlights how important it is for officers to be equipped with the skills and tools needed to handle intense situations.

“We get extensive training in our academy, but we also get additional training through the State Preparedness Center for actual swift water training,” he said. “We have 11 members in our district that are all highly trained.”

“This job as civil servants, we’re always on it for the people, the citizens, the visitors,” said James McCartney, president of the Police Benevolent Association. “We put them before us most of the time because we’re in it for the community, and that’s what we love about our jobs and that’s why we are in these jobs.”

Sibenik said it was his training that allowed him to rescue the woman and also keep himself out of danger.

“I’m just glad I could be there and we could get this person help and just get her to safety,” Sibenik said. “At the end of the day, it’s about everybody’s safety here, and that’s what we’re here for.”

The woman who was rescued was taken to the hospital, but is OK.

“These are beautiful areas, but the hazards are there,” Sibenik said. “Swift water is a very deadly thing to come in contact with. You just want to stay clear of the water when you’re visiting these parks.”

Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.