Officers rescue National Suicide Prevention Hotline caller from drowning, police say

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A man called the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8277 just before getting into the water with a heavy backpack in an attempt to drown on Sunday night in Miami Beach.

The staff at the prevention hotline called the police for help. Officers responded to the beach, found the man, and pulled him out of the water near Collins Avenue and 32nd Street.

The incident report identifies the uniformed police officers who jumped into the water to rescue the man as Sgt. Delgado and Officers Moreno and Carballo.

Miami Beach Fire Rescue personnel took the man to Mount Sinai Medical Center. According to Officer Ernesto Rodriguez, the man remained hospitalized on Monday and was in stable condition.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s safety tips

Tips for friends

  • Be available to speak or text to someone when suicidal thoughts are strong.
  • Listen to them when they are in crisis without freaking out. Stay on the phone with them until they feel better, even if we don’t talk.
  • Tell them some of the things that help comfort you such as funny animal videos, chocolate, etc.
  • Take them something to eat and drink when they can’t for themselves. Send them caring random postcards, just so they get something in the mail.
  • Go to the park with them.
  • Help them clean their place.
  • Cook a home-cooked meal for them.
  • Listen to them without giving any feedback or advice, unless asked.
  • Share a hobby with them.
  • Go to a medical or dental appointment with them.
  • Help figure out how to do something that is daunting to them.

Experts discuss prevention strategies


About the Authors:

Bridgette Matter joined the Local 10 News team as a reporter in July 2021. Before moving to South Florida, she began her career in South Bend, Indiana and spent six years in Jacksonville as a reporter and weekend anchor.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.