Sheriff praises boater who rescued two people from Niagara River after accident

Garcia said the boater, a 53-year-old man from Grand Island, helped the two climb safely into his boat after their jet ski overturned around 6:30 p.m.

Garcia noted that the rescue came just four minutes after a distress call about two people in the water. The U.S. Coast Guard, Erie County Sheriff’s Marine Unit and the Sheriff’s Air-1 helicopter responded to the scene.

Garcia added: “This incident underscores the importance of boaters being vigilant at all times and ensuring that every occupant of a watercraft is wearing a flotation device.”