Third Fatal Drowning Within a Month
Today was another difficult day on the beach. You may have read about it on a news site or on social media. Just after 5:00 PM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 center alerted Oak Island Water Rescue, Oak Island Fire Department, Oak Island Police Department, Brunswick County EMS, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, and the United States Coast Guard for a reported drowning near the 32nd Place East Beach access.
The initial reports on the radio were that there may have been two drowning victims with one possibly still in the water. Oak Island Water Rescue responded sixteen personnel with both 4×4 pick-up trucks and the surf launch boat. This would have allowed us to assist a swimmer in the water and also transport one patient off the beach in each truck.
Prior to our arrival it was confirmed there was not a victim in the water and we focused our response actions on supporting the resuscitation effort on the beach. In a coordinated effort between the four agencies on scene, using our 4×4 truck (4482) we carefully transported the patient and paramedics off the beach to the Brunswick County EMS paramedic ambulance.
Multiple beachgoers acted heroically today including those who risked their own lives by swimming out and bringing the victim to shore. Then there were the medical professionals (a Doctor and Nurses) who immediately began CPR once the victim was on the beach. They continued to provide care, even assisting the paramedics after their arrival. We are thankful for the brave efforts of these beachgoers.
