A Delaware County floodwater rescue saved Joel Bryant, who was hanging on for life after climbing a tree to escape rising flood waters that swept him away at Riviera Road and Flora Lane in Upper Chichester, reports 6abc.

The 21-year-old had left his home during Tuesday’s storm around 11 PM because he thought he saw a fire and was picked up by the rushing water, said the victim’s brother, James.

Bryant, who lives near a swelling Marcus Hook Creek, had only 2 percent power left on his phone but was able to call Delaware County 911 for help, even though the phone died during the conversation.

Emergency crews were able to use Joel’s phone to find his location.

Delaware County 911 operators processed the call using new technology Next Gen 911, said Emergency Management Director Tim Boyce.

A recently formed Delaware County water rescue task force was able to rescue Joel using crews from Aston and Chester Heights.

“Three minutes, these first responders were there because they were ready,” said Boyce.

Joel had minor injuries but was back to work the next day.

The storm triggered 2,000 911 calls and 27 water rescues in Delaware County.

Find out how this Delaware County floodwater rescue got Joel out of the tree and back to safety at 6abc.