VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A 68-year-old woman is alive after Florida deputies and bystanders pulled her from the ocean and performed CPR Saturday morning.
Deputies with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office say they were flagged down by bystanders at 10:15 a.m. for a swimmer in distress in the water.
WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised. The following video contains graphic footage of a water rescue and lifesaving efforts.
Deputy Gourley located the woman floating face down in the ocean, and he and a good Samaritan dragged her to the shore. Tragically, he realized she had no pulse and jumped into action.
Gourley and Deputy Manhart began CPR and were able to revive the unidentified woman before emergency responders arrived, per VSO. As lifesaving efforts were performed, a group of attentive women stood by checking her pulse.
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Beach Safety personnel reportedly took over life-saving efforts at the scene. The 68-year-old woman was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
Officials credited alert beachgoers for helping save the woman’s life after they spotted her in distress and quickly notified deputies.
The sheriff’s office said the incident serves as a reminder of the critical role the public can play during emergencies, noting that swift action by witnesses helped deputies respond in time.
Life-saving awards are expected to be presented to the deputies involved in the rescue for their actions.