Cape May Point Lifeguard Ryan Gibson is receiving recognition for rescuing an 11-year-old girl from dangerous ocean conditions while he was off duty Aug. 12.
Gibson, 19, was playing volleyball at the Lehigh Avenue beach with friends after he had finished his shift when he heard the girl screaming for help. She had been pulled into the ocean by rough currents until she could no longer stand.
According to a statement from the Cape May Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 6:33 p.m.
“Without hesitation, Ryan entered the water and conducted a rescue,” the department said in its Facebook statement.
The girl had swallowed water and was treated at the scene by emergency responders, according to police. Gibson sustained minor scrapes and scratches from rocks after pulling the girl onto a nearby rock jetty.
Cape May Point Beach Patrol Chief Ben Swan said lifeguards are trained to look for a flotation device, such as a boogie board or inner tube, when responding to an emergency after hours. But there was nothing available near Gibson.
“There was nothing in the area, so Ryan had to make a split-second decision whether he was going to go out with nothing, and we’re happy he made that decision,” Swan said.
He said Ryan’s training as a lifeguard helped prepare him for the situation, even though he did not have his normal rescue equipment. The Cape May Point Beach Patrol trains together most mornings, and lifeguards regularly practice swimming, first aid and CPR, Swan said.
“I think it just shows that we have a courageous group of individuals here that are willing to put their lives on the line when it comes down to it,” he said.
Swan said that the incoming tide had created a strong current that pulled the girl too far from shore to stand.
What began as a rescue involving one victim eventually grew to five people caught in the current, he said. Two bystanders who entered the water to help also became trapped and had to be assisted back to shore.
Lt. Matt Gibson, Ryan’s brother and an off-duty lifeguard, also responded and helped recover those caught in the current.
Swan said those who entered the water were repeatedly pushed against the rocks and attempted to form a human chain, but were unsuccessful.
Gibson got himself and the girl onto the rock pile, where they were able to catch their breath. Swan and off-duty lifeguard Lt. Matt Gibson then helped them back to shore, Swan said.
An ambulance from the Cape May Point Volunteer Fire Company also responded. The girl was evaluated by emergency responders, and the rescuers were dismissed from the scene afterward, Swan said.
The girl remained conscious throughout the rescue and did not require CPR, but she had swallowed a significant amount of water and was breathing heavily when emergency responders evaluated her, the chief said.
Gibson said he appreciated everyone who attempted to help.
“I really appreciate every single person trying to help in that situation, from the people who called the fire department all the way to the people [in the water],” Gibson told the Ocean City Sentinel. “Just the courage to go out there and try to help me out was very much appreciated.”
The Cape May Police Department praised Ryan and Matt Gibson, Swan and the other bystanders who attempted to assist, calling the incident a reminder of “just how unpredictable and dangerous ocean conditions can be — and how important it is to have trained lifeguards ready to respond.”
Swan said it also illustrates why beachgoers should heed lifeguards, even when the ocean appears calm.
“Most of what we do as lifeguards is preventative action to keep these things from happening,” he said.
Julia graduated from Rider University in 2024 with a BA in multiplatform journalism and minor in social media strategies. In addition to reporting on local news for Shore Local, she is a social media strategist for small businesses. Connect with her: shorelocaljulia@gmail.com or @juliatrain on Instagram.
