David “Bean” Coffee said he went out to surf as usual on Tuesday when he heard two people screaming for help in the distance. On his board, Coffee swam into a rip current to save two men.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A 72-year-old surfer is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a father and son from dangerous waters off New Smyrna Beach.
On August 26, David “Bean” Coffee told FOX 35 Orlando he went out to surf as usual. The 72-year-old said he’s been surfing since 1965.
There were a few other surfers out near Marianne Clancy Park when he first arrived, but they soon left. Not long after, Coffee said he heard screams in the distance.
“I started hearing two people screaming for their lives… “Help! Help! Somebody help me! There’s got to be somebody – help!” Coffee recalled to FOX 35. “I’m right here, they’re over there,” Coffee said, pointing to the ocean. “That is easy a half football field away.”
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David “Bean” Coffee and his surfboard.
(FOX 35 Orlando)
Fighting the current, Coffee said it took about 10 minutes to get to the son, a man in his 20s, who had lost his surfboard and was struggling to stay afloat in the rough conditions.
“I grabbed his hair and I pulled him up and when I pulled him up, I got him up and laid him on the side of my surfboard,” Coffee said.
Coffee paddled him in, then went back out to rescue the father.
Both men were tired, but OK, said Coffee. Volusia County deputies responded to the scene, however neither man needed additional care. Coffee said the men hugged him, grateful for his quick actions.
“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to help somebody out,” Coffee said.
According to Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and the Volusia County Beach Safety, neither agency filed a report for the incident, so we don’t know the names of the men rescued.
Coffee said the rescue made him late for a doctor’s appointment, so after a few hugs, he had to leave. Amid the adrenaline rush, he said he forgot to exchange contact information. All he remembers is that the family was visiting from out of town.
Coffee said he hopes they are doing well. The incident proved to be a valuable lesson:
“If you’re going to surf – surfing is great, have a lot of fun – but if you don’t see a lifeguard, don’t go out,” Coffee said.
