Off-duty firefighter rescues baby after stroller rolls into Lake Carlsbad

An off-duty Carlsbad firefighter rescued a baby whose stroller had rolled into Lake Carlsbad.

The heroic incident occurred Thursday, April 11. A grandmother was walking her dogs and pushing her 10-month-old grandson in a stroller at Carlsbad Beach Park, according to city officials. She took her hands off the stroller to care for her dogs, not realizing the brake on the stroller wasn’t set. Within a few short seconds, the stroller and baby had rolled into the lake waters.

Fortunately, Mark Johnson, a lieutenant/paramedic with the Carlsbad Fire Department, was with his wife at the park walking their dog. He heard the splash of water, and also his wife saying “Go!,” then saw the upside down stroller in the water. He jumped in and was able to get the stroller and baby back onto dry land.

He medically examined the baby boy, who was wet and upset, but not injured.

“The Carlsbad Fire Department and City of Carlsbad thank Mark for his quick and decisive actions, which resulted in a life saved,” fire officials said. “On or off duty, Lieutenant Mark Johnson is a great example of the service and selflessness that is the foundation of the fire service.”

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