JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) -- An elderly fisherman fell off a dock at Wilson Bay Park after a guardrail broke. Julian Santiago is being deemed a hero after saving the man from the alligator-infested waters.

The older man was struggling to stay above water and get to safety, but Santiago fortunately saw the man and immediately helped.

"I heard someone screaming, it was a guy like 72 years old," Santiago said. "There was nothing to do but get him out."

Santiago was with his son at the time the fisherman fell into the dock.

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While tragedy was luckily avoided, Jacksonville officials are using this as a reminder to inspect older equipment in public parks and other areas.

For more information, click on the video above.

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