An ICE officer who sprang into action to save a drowning child told Newsmax on Thursday that he is simply grateful the young girl survived and now has "a second chance at life."

Gregory Simmonds, an Enforcement and Removal Operations officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Tampa, joined “National Report” after video of his dramatic rescue went viral.

The surveillance footage shows Simmonds jumping fully clothed into a Florida community pool after spotting a 6-year-old girl unconscious in the water.

"I'm just grateful the kid's all right," Simmonds told Newsmax. "I'm very happy that it ended up turning out the right way, that I was in the right place at the right time to give this kid a second chance at life."

The rescue occurred in Pasco County, Florida, where Simmonds was off duty when he noticed the child floating face down in the pool.

Without hesitation, the law enforcement veteran dove into the water, pulled the girl to safety and immediately began lifesaving measures.

"I've been in law enforcement for 18 years, so when I see a situation like that, I mean, I just have to make a quick decision to jump in there and save that kid," Simmonds said.

Drawing on CPR training he receives every two years, Simmonds quickly assessed the situation and realized the child was in critical condition.

"When I got to that kid, I immediately knew that this child is in the process of dying," he said, adding that she "needed to have CPR as quick as possible."

After carrying the girl to the pool deck, Simmonds began CPR while a nurse who happened to be nearby assisted by providing rescue breaths. First responders later transported the child to a hospital.

Simmonds told Newsmax he later learned the girl may have been unconscious underwater for as long as two minutes before he reached her.

"That's really a heavy burden on the situation," he said, noting that his training and experience proved invaluable during the emergency.

The officer also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received from family, friends, coworkers and members of the public since the rescue.

The Department of Homeland Security praised Simmonds' actions, calling ICE personnel "the best of the best" and highlighting the dedication law enforcement officers demonstrate, both on and off duty.

Authorities say the girl is expected to make a full recovery.

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