Off-Duty Cape May Point Lifeguard Rescues 11-Year-Old Swimmer

An off-duty Cape May Point lifeguard jumped into action after he heard an 11-year-old girl crying for help in the water last week.

Ryan Gibson, 19, spent time at the beach with friends after finishing his shift Wednesday when he heard the girl screaming near Lehigh Avenue. Gibson and his friends planned to play volleyball when the cries caught their attention.

At first, Gibson questioned whether someone actually needed help. Once he realized the girl faced danger, he immediately ran toward the water.

Gibson told nearby bystanders to call 911 before he swam toward the struggling girl. He reached her near a jetty, pulled her onto the rocks and helped guide her back toward shore.

Gibson urged the girl to take deep breaths and stay calm as they moved carefully from rock to rock. Strong currents made the rescue especially difficult, according to Cape May Point Beach Patrol Chief Ben Swan.

Two other swimmers also tried to reach the girl before Gibson arrived. The swimmers eventually clung to the jetty rocks after struggling against the current.

Swan said the girl did not swim strongly, and the powerful current created a serious risk. He said rescuers could not know how much longer she could have remained afloat.

Officials said the girl avoided serious injury but swallowed a significant amount of water during the incident.

Gibson later returned to his lifeguard duties and helped another swimmer who ventured too close to the rocks. He said he enjoys helping people and considers lifeguarding one of the best jobs he could have.

Off-Duty Cape May Point Lifeguard Rescues 11-Year-Old Swimmer was originally published on rnbphilly.com