Anthony Craig Austin is paid to rescue people, but the Belmont firefighter also rescues people for free.
While on vacation at Lake Lure with his wife in mid-May, Austin swam to the rescue of a 10-year-old girl who was struggling to stay afloat. The Belmont City Council honored Austin for his heroism at its June meeting.
Fire Chief George Altice read a description of the rescue.According to the narrative, the girl was attempting to swim across a river that ran behind Austin's hotel. About midstream she began to struggle, and a 12-year-old boy dived in to help.
The boy could not control the panicked girl, and both began to sink, so two adults swam to them to help. Soon all four were entangled and in danger.
At that point, Austin entered the water fully clothed. He gathered up the girl and swam with her to shore. The other swimmers then were able to reach the banks unassisted.
The audience at the City Council meeting gave the firefighter a standing ovation.