A maintenance worker for the Town of Coupeville saved a drowning toddler in the afternoon of Friday, May 3 at Captain Coupe’s Park and Boat Launch.

The worker, Tony Richter, told KIRO 7 he was picking up a piece of equipment near the wastewater treatment plant. Normally, he said, he looks at the water before he parks his truck.

Richter noticed a car with all of its doors open, which he said was unusual. Then, he said, he saw a fully-clothed little boy, about 2 or 3 years old, running on the dock and jump into the water.

According to surveillance footage from the wastewater plant’s cameras, the incident happened at 12:44 p.m.

Richter called the mother’s attention, alerting her of what had just happened. The woman, who had another child, jumped into the water where she found and grabbed the boy, and Richter helped them both out of the water.

Richter told KIRO 7 that the boy was uninjured and was just coughing, though he was scared.

“I don’t think he realized what had happened,” he said. “Maybe some regret.”

First responders didn’t need to come, Richter told KIRO 7.

Director of Public Works Joe Grogan told KIRO 7 that he reviewed the footage after Richter told him what happened and felt emotional.

“Timing was everything,” he said. “One second either way, he (Richter) may have not noticed it. He’s very vigilant.”