A Jersey Shore surfer, Brendan Tighe, who survived a fall from a 20-foot wave in a wipe-out that went viral in December, recently saved the life of another man struggling to swim in the same waters. While surfing off Belmar last week, Tighe heard a person yelling out and saw a man struggling in the 50-degree water. Paddling over to him, Tighe pushed his surfboard into the man’s arms to avoid being pulled underwater in the rescue effort. He then swam around the struggling swimmer and pushed both of them back to shore. Paramedics, police officers, and Coast Guard officers met the pair on the shore and took over the rescue effort, ensuring the man recovered safely.
Tighe shared the details of the rescue on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of proper rescue techniques to raise awareness. He expressed that the distressed swimmer could have drifted out to sea had he not intervened, highlighting the potential dangers in such situations. Tighe’s quick thinking and surf skills ultimately saved the man’s life, as emphasized by the response of paramedics and officials to the incident. His actions showcase the importance of being prepared and skilled in water rescue procedures, especially in challenging conditions like cold waters and rip currents.
With lifeguard training and CPR certification, Tighe underscored the responsibility that surfers and beach-goers have to assist those in distress in the water. He urged fellow surfers to be vigilant for struggling swimmers and emphasized that having the skills and being in the right place at the right time can make a significant difference in saving lives. Tighe’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of being aware of one’s abilities and limits in the water. He also cautioned swimmers about the potential dangers of hypothermia and the risks associated with swimming in the ocean without proper training or supervision.
Officials and lifeguards have warned beach-goers about the dangers of swimming in the ocean when lifeguards are not present, particularly during the pre-season when conditions can quickly become hazardous. A tragic incident in Spring Lake, just a few blocks south of Belmar, resulted in the drowning of a 23-year-old man due to the absence of lifeguards on duty. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and understanding the potential risks associated with swimming in open water. Both Tighe’s rescue and the drowning incident underscore the critical role that lifeguards and trained individuals play in ensuring the safety of beach-goers.
In light of these events, Tighe’s heroic actions and the tragic drowning incident serve as poignant reminders of the importance of water safety and rescue skills. Emphasizing the need for surfers and beach-goers to be prepared for emergencies, Tighe’s experience highlights the difference that quick thinking and proper training can make in life-threatening situations. His call for vigilance and caution in the water echoes the sentiments of lifeguards and officials, who stress the dangers of underestimating ocean conditions and the importance of following safety guidelines. By sharing his story and advocating for water safety awareness, Tighe continues to inspire others to be proactive and prepared when enjoying aquatic activities.