Lifeguard rescues own family after Aruba raft crash

ORANJESTAD – A 24-year-old lifeguard from Hollywood, Florida, rescued several members of his own family after a water excursion in Aruba ended in a serious accident.

Marcelo Lorenzo, who works for Hollywood Ocean Rescue, was vacationing with his family when a raft carrying his father, aunt and cousin crashed into a boat after the captain reportedly made a sudden turn.

Lorenzo immediately jumped into the water. He found his father unconscious beneath the boat and pulled him to safety before spotting his cousin face down and unconscious in the water. He stabilized her head and neck until two catamaran workers helped bring her aboard.

His aunt suffered a broken arm and several relatives were hospitalized. Lorenzo's father remains in Aruba awaiting medical clearance to return to the United States.

Lorenzo has since returned to work in Florida. The City of Hollywood plans to honor him with a lifesaving award.