Watch CBS News

Woman Reconnects With Man Who Saved Her Life When She Was 5

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- It has been nearly five decades since a 5-year-old girl was rescued from the water off Lido Beach, Long Island.

Now, so many years later, the girl who was rescued – now a 53-year-old woman -- thanked the man who saved her life.

As WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported, on Sept. 4, 1964, Larry Brickman was a lifeguard. He said over the years, he has thought about the day he saved Edith Rothstein's life.

Woman Reconnects With Man Who Saved Her Life When She Was 5

"And I noticed there was a torso doing, like, a dead man's float, and I said, 'Oh my God,' and I jumped in," Brickman said.

Brickman, now 69, became a doctor and is now living in Florida. He said it took three minutes of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but Rothstein was brought back to life.

Recently, Rothstein found Brickman's number using an Internet search, and she thanked him.

"It's just a very, very nice feeling to thank someone who saved your life," Rothstein said.

The two plan to see each other in person soon. Dr. Brickman said he learned something that day that he still tells his patients – never give up on saving your life.

Please leave your comments below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.