In Jersey Shore, surfer Brendan Tighe once again proved himself to be a hero as a rescuer. Just last December, he gained fame for a dramatic water rescue incident. And last week, he saved another drowning man in the same area.
According to the New York Post, the incident occurred near Belmar while Tighe was enjoying surfing. Suddenly, he heard cries for help in the distance. Turning around, he saw a man struggling in the icy waters at 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Without hesitation, Tighe quickly paddled towards the man and commenced the rescue operation.
As described by Tighe on Instagram, the man was nearly unconscious at the time, his body extremely cold, in a critical condition. Not only was he not wearing a wetsuit, but he also could not swim, drifting alone further into the ocean. Tighe assisted him with a surfboard, ensuring he didn’t get pulled under the water during the struggle.
Subsequently, he instructed the man to hold onto the surfboard tightly and carefully pushed him towards the shore. There were already medical personnel, police, and coast guard on standby on the shore, swiftly taking over the rescue work. Fortunately, the man was eventually safe and sound.
Tighe told News 12 that if he hadn’t been there at that moment, the outcome might have been very different. He also reminded other surfers that, although they are not lifeguards, having rescue skills and taking prompt action can save lives.
Furthermore, local officials warned the public not to swim at the beach without permission from lifeguards. Not long ago, a 23-year-old man drowned in a situation where no lifeguards were on duty, once again highlighting the potential dangers of open water areas.