A swimmer pulled out of the water near a beach in Avon-by-the-Sea last week is awake and conscious in the hospital, according to police.

Avon-by-the-Sea police say that 21-year-old Perle Desir, who has been hospitalized since June 12, is awake and spoke with one of their officers Wednesday. They say that she will remain in the critical unit, but is in good spirits and is progressing well.

Desir was swimming at the Garfield Avenue Beach last week when another woman, Nisha Desai, 21, became distressed. Desir tried to save her, but was also pulled under by a rip current. Another good Samaritan was able to swim out to bring the women back to shore, with the help of others.

No lifeguards were on duty at the time.