Bystanders rescue swimmer at Wrightsville Beach

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A Wrightsville Beach swimmer was rescued Saturday by bystanders and Ocean Rescue.

Jeremy Owens with Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue said his crew responded to a call, near Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, shortly after 5 p.m. yesterday and found the swimmer unconscious on the beach. Owens said bystanders pulled the victim from the ocean and began performing CPR.

Owens said Ocean Rescue was able to resuscitate the victim, who was breathing and speaking when EMS arrived to take him to the hospital.

There is no update on the victim’s condition or whether he is still in the hospital.

Owens wanted to thank the bystanders who assisted and to remind the public that lifeguards are not in the stands until after Memorial Day.