A powerful video is going viral this week in which a jogger smashes through the ice of a frozen lake to rescue a drowning dog before continuing on with his run as if nothing had happened.

Bystander Paula Town captured the epic rescue on camera in Pontefract, England, and she proceeded to post it to social media along with the caption, “What a hero, this complete stranger rescued this family’s dog when it got into trouble in Pontefract Park.”

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“When we got to the lake, I could see a dog in the water, it was trying to get onto the ice but kept falling back in,” Town later told reporters. “I felt panic-stricken and scoured the side of the lake for a life buoy but couldn’t find one. Luckily that guy came along, he lowered himself into the water and the rest is on the video.”

Darcy Pell, 31, had been out running with a friend when he spotted the drowning dog. Pell happens to have experience as a cold water swimmer, so he knew that if anyone could step up and rescue the canine, it would be him.

Without hesitating, Pell jumped into the freezing water and smashed the ice as he made his way to the drowning dog. He proceeded to lead the grateful canine back to shore, at which time Pell rejoined his friend and continued his run.

Though social media users have dubbed Pell a hero, he does not see himself that way at all. He also made sure to stress that he is an experienced cold water swimmer, and that others who don’t have his experience should not attempt this kind of rescue.

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“Not a hero just saw a dog in need,” Pell wrote on Facebook. “Luckily [I] swim in cold/icey water as a hobby and know the risks it can cause. Carried on my run after so no big deal. Was given a jacket by my run buddy. Obviously wouldn’t recommend people doing the same. Just glad the dog was happy to carry on its walk after.”

Pell may not see himself as a hero, but after seeing the video below, you may disagree with him! We certainly do.

This piece originally appeared in UpliftingToday.com and is used by permission.

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