A lifeguard and four off-duty firefighters from the High Springs Fire Department (HSFD) rescued a drowning woman at Camp Kulaqua on Sunday. 

Lifeguard Ben Blache blew a whistle when the 45-year-old woman suffered from a sudden medical emergency and went underwater for around 20 seconds. Lt. Kim Wilson, firefighter Chris Tatum, Chief Joe Peters and Capt. Kevin Pearson responded to the whistle and found Blache already initiating the rescue. 

“We assessed the woman’s condition as soon as we got her out of the water. At first, we couldn’t detect a pulse,” Peters said. “Firefighter Tatum performed chest compressions, and after only four compressions, the woman began coughing up water and regained consciousness.” 

The woman was taken to UF Shands Hospital as a trauma alert due to the amount of time spent submerged. She remained conscious and breathing during transport with no additional injuries reported. 

According to a press release, Camp Kulaqua management praised the collaborative effort and emphasized the crucial role of preparedness and rapid emergency response.  

They commended the HSFD personnel and lifeguard for their bravery and professionalism, stating that the fast responses saved a life. 

“Had the lifeguard and our off-duty guys not acted as quickly as they did, this story may have had a very different ending,” said firefighter/paramedic Michael Rivers who responded to the call.