Good Samaritan, Who Saved 2-Year Old Girl from Assawoman Bay, Speaks Out

Jonathan Bauer, center, is the Good Samaritan who saved a 2-year old girl from the Assawoman Bay.

OCEAN CITY, Md. - Jonathan Bauer of Berlin is the Good Samaritan everyone is asking about.

He and his 13-year old daughter Ava were heading home from Ocean City on the Route 90 Bridge, Sunday. They went to OC to find a part for their boat. Little did they know, that quick errand would turn into a heroic situation. 

Once on the bridge, Bauer says he noticed a pickup truck begin to swerve in front of him. As the truck was swerving, a car in the other lane attempted to dodge it, hitting the Bauer's car. 

Upon exiting his car, Bauer made sure his daughter was alright, then went towards the pickup truck now dangling off the Route 90 Bridge. Once he looked down towards the water, he says, "I saw the car seat and some other items and then about six feet away from the car seat was the little girl. She was on her back completely floating. Head completely out of the water. Arms floating. Legs kicking and a little pink dress." 

Bauer then looked at his daughter, told her to call 911, took his shoes off, and without hesitation, jumped into the Assawoman Bay. 

"When I hit. I hit feet first. Knees then arms. I was fine. I popped up swam to the girl. Lifted her out of the water and looked at her," Bauer says as he recalls the incident, "her mouth was open. Eyes semi-open and put her against my shoulder and aggressively began to pat her back. And within seconds she spit up a bunch of water. A lot of water. Started coughing and took a deep breath." 

Bauer's wife Wendy says if you know him, it's in his character to do something like this. "I can't say how proud I am of him. It doesn't surprise me. If you know him. That is something he would do." 

Jonathan, Wendy, and Ava are now honorary members of the Ocean City Fire Department. Ocean City Fire Chief Richard Bowers says Jonathan Bauer will forever be known in Ocean City as a hometown hero. 

The irony of the entire situation is Jonathan's wife Wendy says her husband is afraid of heights. His daughter Ava says she hopes now her dad will come with her on the Ferris Wheel on the boardwalk. 

 

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