Bodysurfer Rescue
updated: Sep 28, 2012, 7:04 PM

By the Urban Hikers

A local man had gone to East Beach to bodysurf a rare south swell that was walling up at the base of Garden St. Apparently he hit his head while riding a wave. He floated to the surface face up and was able to call out for help. Luckily, the injured man was near a group of Australian men who were also body surfing the beach break. Michael Predergast and Matt Waite rushed over to help the man. Unfortunately before they could get to him another wave came and submerged the injured bodysurfer. After the wave passed the man re-surfaced, this time face down.

Both Michael and Matt were attentive to the man's needs and saw bubbles coming up around his face and head. The two Aussies used the appropriate procedures to right the man, while two other Australians, James Mahon and Mitch Bourke, buddies of Michael and Matt also joined in the rescue. Together, the four men brought the injured man to the shore. As they were bring the man onto the beach, a professional female wrestler who is visiting from Nashville also joined in, offering comfort and support to the injured man.

911 was summoned. As reported by Roger the Scanner Guy, emergency personnel required a 4-wheel truck to get the injured man off the beach and to a waiting ambulance. The man was taken to the hospital for treatment.

We love stories about heroic individuals and these 4 guys from Sydney and their new Nashville wrestling friend are certainly heroes. We wish the injured bodysurfer a speedy recovery and offer thanks to the five rescuers.

From left to right: James Mahon, Michael Prendergast, Matt Waite, Mitch Bourke.

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