"He basically drowned": ER doctor, son of powerboat racer on dad's rescue and revival

The son of a legendary powerboat racer and a CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital doctor who specializes in trauma care are praising the lifesaving teamwork that saved 82-year-old Jerry Rinker after he was underwater for 2-4 minutes.

Chris Rinker and Dr. David Parkus spoke exclusively with KFDM/Fox 4 at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, where Jerry is recovering, about what they and many others are calling an an amazing recovery.

Jerry Rinker was taking part in the F1 Powerboat Championship races Sunday at Port Neches Riverfest.

Rinker's boat, number 10, flipped over at the end of the first race of the afternoon.

His nickname, 'Scary Jerry,' holding true when the legendary elder statesman of powerboat racing threw a scare into fans and family.

Highly experienced rescue crews that travel with the F1 circuit jumped into action.

One man on a jet ski and the other on a boat raced to Jerry, who was underwater for what his son calls a 'hot minute' that turned into several minutes.

The rescuers managed to raise the nose of the boat and pull Jerry out from beneath it.

One rescuer performed CPR all the way to shore.

"It was hard to watch," Jerry's son, Christopher, told KFDM. "I don't, I don't know what was going through my head other than I knew he was in trouble. It's been overwhelming, the people in Port Neches, this whole situation has been a lot, but there's been such a great outpouring of love for us and our family and our kids."

"What EMS told me, he was under the water for two to four minutes," said Dr. Parkus, the Director of Trauma Surgery and Critical Care at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. "So he basically drowned. And when they got him out, he was pulseless. And they started CPR right away and they got returned spontaneous circulation and brought him to me. I mean, they saved his life. I just, you know, just kept it going. But they're the ones who need all the credit. And yeah, he's a very tough guy."

Chris says his father is in 'great hands' and tells us his dad is just 'built differently.'

Chris Rinker's Facebook post:

So here's the latest on Scary Jerry! He's awake and talking, he's also joking with the nurses, so he's still mostly there, thank the lord! It's a true miracle!! ?

If you saw what went down yesterday, you have to believe in miracles and that the good lord gave him a pass or Uncle John just said not today baby brother!

It was not his time and I'm so glad for that, I wasn't ready to say goodbye. We Rinkers have had to say that enough in the last few weeks!

Love you guys and thank you all for being you!!

(SUNDAY)

Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and outpouring of love for my dad! He’s doing way better than expected. Boat Racing is his life and it came very close to taking his life today. He’s doing remarkably well for a 82 year old who was under water for a hot minute. He has no physical injuries and is breathing well on his own. He has come to a few times and was able to either answer or respond to questions. It’s a true miracle that he is with us and in the positive condition he’s in. I will try to do an update tomorrow for everyone but know he’s in good hands and the Doctors can not explain how he’s doing as well as he is.