Off-duty lifeguard rescues 11-year-old girl from rough currents in Cape May Point
Several good samaritans on the beach, including a professional photographer, attempted to assist.
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An off-duty lifeguard is being praised by local police after jumping into action to rescue an 11-year-old girl who was pulled out by rough ocean currents after hours last Wednesday evening.
At about 6:33 p.m. on Aug. 12, 19-year-old Cape May Point lifeguard Ryan Gibson was playing volleyball with friends after finishing his shift when he noticed the girl in distress in the water. Without hesitation, Gibson swam out to rescue her.
Several Good Samaritans on the beach, including a professional photographer, attempted to help but were quickly overwhelmed by the dangerous surf conditions. Fellow off-duty lifeguards Ben Swan and Matt Gibson heard the emergency broadcast and rushed to the beach to help pull the girl and rescuers to safety at a nearby rock jetty.
Gibson sustained minor scrapes and scratches on the rocks during the rescue. Emergency medical personnel treated the 11-year-old girl at the scene after she swallowed seawater.
The Cape May Police Department commended Gibson, his fellow lifeguards and the bystanders for their courage, noting that the incident serves as a crucial reminder of how unpredictable and hazardous ocean conditions can be during unguarded hours.
