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Valley man remembers saving boy from pool 26 years later

Posted at 3:45 PM, Aug 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-01 21:52:25-04

26 years ago a fast-acting Valley teen saved the life of an 18-month-old child after the boy was pulled from a pool. On Wednesday, the two, now both grown men, came together to remember what happened.

Jacob Petersen remembers August 19, 1992 like it was yesterday. At 15 years old he had received a phone call from his neighbor to help with some yard work.

“She told me you know come anytime today, there's no hurry,” recalled Petersen.

Fortunately, he left for the house immediately. As he arrived, 18-month old Colter Conway was being pulled from the family's swimming pool.

“When I first saw him I was like oh no, it's too late,” said Petersen. It did not look like there was any life to him because there was no oxygen in him. He was totally dark blue and gray.”

Just weeks before walking into the situation, Petersen completed a CPR training course for Boy Scouts and immediately jumped into action.

“The thought is going through my head like this isn’t happening but I remember consciously choosing to concentrate now and think about it later,” said Petersen.

His efforts kept Colter alive until he could be rushed to the hospital. Now 26 years later and Colter has a wife and kid of his own, Petersen says it's a testament to the importance of learning CPR.

“It's the bystanders that need to step in and do something and don't be scared to try,” said Petersen. “Step in and do something because it will make all the world of difference to somebody.”

Pool safety is very important and as part of Drowning Impact Awareness Month, free CPR classes will be offered throughout this month. For a list of classes click here.