Nobody knew how to swim: NJ hotel’s ‘hero guest’ saves drowning child

FAIRFIELD — Police say a Pennsylvania man who doesn't know how to swim jumped in and rescued a boy from drowning in a pool at a hotel in this Essex County township.

Fairfield police say a Paterson woman and a male companion were in the pool at the La Quinta Inn on Thursday with her five children, who range in ages from 1 to 9. Police say none knew how to swim, and the 9-year-old went under water.

The companion ran to the front desk for help. Police say 37-year-old Randolph Tajada-Perez of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, was checking in. Tajada-Perez, who doesn't know how to swim, jumped into the pool and after several attempts reached the child.

The boy is in stable condition.

Police are calling Tajada-Perez a "hero guest."

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