Monday's drownings in the Niagara River bring back terrifying memories for 50-year-old Leonard Stevens. Five years ago this month, Stevens saved two young sisters who fell in the swift waters of the Niagara River.
"That day, I did something a father would do," said Stevens.
The 7-year-old girl had fallen in, her 17-year-old brother went in after her, and then their 13-year-old sister jumped in after him.
Stevens, an experienced swimmer who spent eight years in the United States Navy was able to save the two girls, but not the young man.
"The water undertow is so strong, it's like attaching a rope to your waist and having a car pull you at 3mph."
Knowing how many people frequent the water's edge, Stevens says flotation devices need to be installed in case of an emergency.
"If you can float, you'll stay alive," he said.
Stevens says he's been in contact with the City of Buffalo about different options for safety devices.
The City tells 7 Eyewitness News it's looking at all different options.
Take WKBW Everywhere, on all your devices. Download below!
Phone or Tablet: Apple, Android
Set-top Device: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV
Amazon Alexa
Personalize your news, get the latest 7 First Alert Forecast, and watch 7 Eyewitness News video wherever, whenever.
Learn more here about what 7 Eyewitness News provides on all these devices.
