Home / Sports / Coach's Rip Current Rescue: A Fight for Life
Coach's Rip Current Rescue: A Fight for Life
27 May
Summary
- Coach was lucky to be alive after rip current incident.
- She saved her nephew before losing consciousness.
- Rescue team revived her with CPR and defibrillator.
A harrowing incident at Wrightsville Beach last week saw UNC Wilmington women's basketball coach Nicole Woods fighting for her life after being caught in a rip current. Woods, who was on the beach with her children and two eight-year-old relatives, jumped into the ocean to rescue her nephew when he was swept out by a wave.
The powerful current began to pull both Woods and her nephew further out to sea. Demonstrating incredible presence of mind, the 41-year-old coach managed to push her nephew above the water so he could breathe. She then lost consciousness herself.
Fortunately, a swift rescue operation by a specialized team brought both Woods and her nephew back to shore. Paramedics immediately administered CPR to Woods and used a defibrillator to revive her. She remained on a ventilator for at least 24 hours before being able to breathe independently.
Woods described the event as a "miracle," stressing that her near-fatal experience could happen to anyone, despite her being a strong swimmer. Doctors have confirmed she suffered no brain damage and has been released from care, now recuperating at home. Associate head coach Cherie Lea is temporarily overseeing the women's basketball program.
