Off-duty police officer rescues elderly woman from drowning at Cascais beach

An off-duty police officer rescued an 85-year-old woman from drowning after she was swept into the sea by a wave at Tamariz beach in Estoril, Cascais.

The incident occurred at around 9am on Monday, June 8.

According to the Public Security Police (PSP), the officer heard cries for help and spotted a person floating around 15 metres from the shoreline.

It was later established that the elderly woman had been standing on a rocky area when she was struck by a powerful wave, causing her to fall before being dragged away from the coast.

The officer immediately removed his clothes, entered the water and swam towards her, the police force says in a statement. When he reached the woman, he found her floating on her back in deep water and struggling to stay afloat.

According to the PSP, the victim was in a state of panic. The officer turned her around and instructed her to hold on to his shoulders while he swam back towards the shore.

As they approached the water’s edge, he realised the woman had likely suffered a fracture to her right forearm and was complaining of severe pain in her hip.

Concerned about her injuries, the officer carried her to safety rather than attempting to help her walk.

Emergency services arriving at the scene stabilised the woman before transporting her to the Cascais Hospital. She was later transferred to Lisbon’s São José Hospital, where doctors confirmed fractures to her forearm and pelvis.

The PSP said the officer also contacted the woman’s daughter to inform her of the incident and provide an update on her mother’s condition.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.