Hero UAE cop saves expat father, son from drowning

He was jogging at the beach when he saw the duo in need of help.

A Moroccan father and his son were rescued from drowning by a police officer in Umm Al Quwain recently.

The duo was lucky to have the right person at the right time. The father attempted to save his son from drowning but suffered a cramp which also put him in danger. The officer rushed to save both of them.

Major Dr Ahmad Mohammed Obaid, Head of Rehabilitation Section with the UAQ Police, told Khaleej Times that he was jogging at the beach "as usual" when he heard some people screaming.

"This was exactly on the Al Bayt Mitwahid Beach at about 5.30pm."

"I did not think twice and rushed to the site where I found a little boy that was struggling in the sea. I also saw that his father tried to reach him."

The scared father was under too much stress and pressure of the possibility of losing his son that he developed serious cramps and could not keep swimming, Major Dr Obaid added.

"The father himself was in need of help."

Major Dr Obaid swam fast to reach the father and son and safely returned them to the beach.

"I, with the help of some people around, exercised first aid needed because the boy had swallowed a lot of water, but thankfully he recovered and was fine. His father also recuperated."

Major Dr Obaid then called the central operations room of the UAQ police and guided them to the location.

"It was not an easy job for anyone to tell the right location as there was no clear landmark. I had to go to a nearby hotel and escorted the national ambulance which arrived shortly to the location of the duo."

The father and son were shifted to the nearest hospital for medical care, Major Dr Obaid pointed out.

"This is the least anyone should do," he said, urging parents to always keep an eye on their children, and "never leave them unattended as potential disasters could happen in seconds."

The UAQ Police honoured the cop for his heroic deed. "It was an honour for me to receive this accolade from Major General Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmad Al Mualla, Commander-in-chief of Umm Al Quwain Police," Major Dr Obaid said.

Major Dr Ahmad Mohammed Obaid has a PhD in criminal law, Dubai Police Academy, and a Master's degree in international law from Ajman University. He obtained his bachelor's degree in law and policy sciences from Abu Dhabi Police College. He is the father of four beautiful kids.