A Connecticut police officer on patrol near the beach this weekend heard screams around 2:30 a.m. and soon discovered a man that police said was trying to drown two small children.

The New Haven Police Department officer upon hearing screams coming from the water noticed a Nissan SUV parked on the beach, then he saw the father and two children in the water.

As the officer entered the water, according to police, the man screamed for officers to “stay back.”

Police said it was obvious the man was trying to drown the kids as he continued to drift further away from the bank.

The initial arriving officer gained possession of both children and backup officers assisted him in bringing the children to shore.

“It is without a doubt the swift response by our patrol officers saved the lives of these children,” the police department said in a social media post .

Other officers on scene joined West Shore Fire Department personnel and entered the water utilizing the fire department’s boat. When officers reached the man and his children, they were about 100 yards off the shore.

Once officers had the children, they were brought to shore and life-saving measures were provided until they were turned over to an ambulance for transport to an area hospital.

“Both children have made significant improvement and are no longer intubated. They’re still under care of medical staff but are progressing daily! Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers,” the department said.