(VOLUSIA COUNTY) – Deputies in Volusia County, Florida, successfully revived a woman after she was found floating face down in the water at New Smyrna Beach over the weekend, in an incident that authorities say highlights the importance of rapid emergency response.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were alerted after beachgoers noticed a swimmer in distress and quickly flagged down emergency personnel.
Two deputies responded immediately and pulled the 68 year old woman from the water. At the time of rescue, she was unresponsive and had no detectable pulse.
According to the sheriff’s office, the deputies began cardiopulmonary resuscitation without delay and were able to restore the woman’s breathing and pulse before she was transported for further medical care.
Officials credited both the swift actions of the deputies and the alertness of nearby beachgoers for the successful outcome of the emergency response.
The sheriff’s office said the incident demonstrates the importance of early reporting in water related emergencies, particularly in busy public beach areas where conditions can change quickly.
Authorities also confirmed that the deputies involved in the rescue will be recognised with life saving awards in appreciation of their actions.
New Smyrna Beach is a popular coastal destination in Volusia County, known for strong surf conditions that can sometimes pose risks to swimmers, particularly when currents are unpredictable.
Emergency responders in the area regularly conduct water safety operations and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing drowning incidents and improving response times.
The successful rescue adds to a growing number of cases where rapid intervention by trained officers has resulted in lives being saved along Florida’s Atlantic coastline.
Officials encouraged beach visitors to remain alert, observe posted safety warnings and report any signs of distress in the water immediately to lifeguards or law enforcement.