When Gifford Aquatic Center lifeguard Emily Locy decided to go surfing at Wabasso Beach last Friday before her shift at the pool, she didn’t anticipate taking her job with her.  But Ernesto-fueled rip currents had other plans.

Around 8:30 a.m. before the county lifeguard stations were staffed, Locy saw a teenage boy struggling in the current and tried to coach him out of the water. When he was nearly out of danger, the 15-year-old Maryland resident was hit with a wave that dragged him back in.

Locy, 24, sprang into action, paddled toward the boy and helped him grab hold of her surfboard. She fought the rough currents and high surf and returned him to safety on shore.

The boy’s mother, grandmother and brother were looking on from the beach during the 20-minute rescue. The brother had also been caught up in the rough surf but  managed to get himself out. Once Locy was sure the boy was doing well, she talked to the family about the danger of the rip currents and how close he came to drowning.

“It’s an adrenaline rush. I’m able to stay calm and assess the whole scene,” said Locy, realizing the magnitude of what happened after the fact, especially since she almost changed her mind about going to Wabasso Beach that morning and something drew her there. “There was nobody else out there,” she said, grateful that she could help.

“She is very passionate about aquatics and water safety. Emily takes her training seriously and was able to apply that knowledge to save a life with her swift action on Friday,” said Gifford Aquatic Center Facility Supervisor Katie Marleau. 

“We are so proud to have her as part of our safety team!”