VERO BEACH — Quick-thinking lifeguards rushed into the ocean Monday afternoon and saved a swimmer from drowning just hundreds of yards off South Beach Park.
Indian River County Fire Rescue crews responded to the call on March 30. They found that lifeguards, who were wrapping up their day and packing equipment, had already jumped back into action after hearing about the swimmer in trouble.
The lifeguards grabbed only a life ring — all other rescue gear had been put away for the day — and swam out through 4- to 6-foot waves and strong rip currents. They reached the man just as he started to go under and could no longer keep himself afloat…