Tampa, Florida – James Manitaras, 86, was rescued Wednesday after becoming stranded and dangling from the roof of his home on the Hillsborough River in Tampa.

Manitaras, who has lived in the house for more than 40 years, said he climbs onto the roof twice a year to clear leaves.

“Well, I have a lot of foliage around the home and the leaves collect up there in unusual places and I blow them out, or they get wet and cause damage,” he explained.

He said recent work by a tree company had removed a branch and ropes he relied on for stability. As he moved across the roof, he lost his balance and found himself with his legs hanging off the edge.

“I decided it was better to get down on my hands and knees rather than to try and walk it out,” Manitaras said.

A tenant on the first floor called 911, and Tampa police officers quickly arrived to pull him to safety.

“If you are hanging off the roof, it’s a long time, but they really were here very quickly,” Manitaras said.

He suffered minor bumps, bruises, and some skin loss on his legs but is recovering well. Manitaras plans to hire someone to remove the leaves from his roof in the future.

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