Watch Student Dubbed 'Aquaman' Save Cat From Frigid Indiana Lake

HOBART, IN — Thanks to a Wabash College wrestler, a cat lived to see another Christmas after falling into a frigid, icy lake in Hobart Monday. Crown Point native Darden Schurg is being called Hobart's "Aquaman" after spotting a cat struggling in Lake George on Christmas Eve, according to a Facebook video made by family members. The video has since been viewed nearly 28,000 times as of Friday morning, Dec. 28.

According to the post, the family saw the cat fall into the water, and that's when Schurg sprang into action. As the heart-pounding rescue happens, family members can be heard reacting, exclaiming, "Oh, that poor cat!"

Schurg said he took precautions to stay safe despite jumping into the freezing water.

"I love animals and wildlife so I felt it was only right to take a quick dip in the lake to rescue the cat. I'm sure anyone in my situation would feel the same way," Schurg wrote on his Facebook. "I will say to be cautious of the dangers of cold water. I only took the risk after considering all of my options and ensuring my safety above all else. I would not recommend trying this unless you are sure of your capabilities, the body only takes minutes to shut down when introduced to freezing waters."

Thankfully the wrestler and cat survived, though Schurg did end up with several cuts due to the lake's sharp ice, as seen in the video. He did, after all, jump in to rescue the cat wearing nothing but his undershorts.

Image via Shutterstock