A Fort Worth police officer dove into the Trinity River yesterday and pulled a missing boy from the water near Dream Park, rescuing him just moments before the child slipped fully under. Medics on scene checked the youngster and determined he had no serious injuries. Officials praised the quick action and said the rescue likely prevented a tragedy.
Dream Park sits inside Trinity Park along the Clear Fork of the Trinity River, just off University Drive. The park is a popular family destination with playgrounds and trails, but its riverside setting can present hazards when children wander too close to the water.
According to CBS News Texas, the missing-child report came in around 12:05 p.m. yesterday for the Dream Park area. Officers searching the shoreline saw "something yellow" sticking up from the weeds and found the child partially submerged and disoriented, at times going under the surface. One officer entered the river and brought the boy safely to shore before the situation worsened. Fort Worth Fire Department medics evaluated the child as a precaution and determined he was OK, CBS reported.
The Fort Worth Police Department said in a social media post, "This is a reminder that sometimes the difference between tragedy and relief is measured in seconds," according to CBS News Texas. The department's post praised the responding officer and urged visitors to keep a close watch on children near the water.
Safety Reminders For Trinity Park Visitors
The City of Fort Worth notes that Trinity Park runs along miles of riverbank where currents, drop-offs, and vegetation can hide hazards, and its park page maps the playgrounds and trails. The Fort Worth Fire Department regularly responds to water incidents and encourages caregivers to supervise youngsters and to have flotation devices handy near the river.
Police did not immediately release the child's name, and no arrests or charges were associated with the incident. The department thanked the officer for his fast action, and city and public-safety officials said the quick response likely averted a tragedy.
