Swift action by lifeguards, firefighters, and bystanders underscores how CPR training can turn a moment of crisis into survival

On an April afternoon along the busy coastline of Walton County, a routine beach day in Seaside became a race against time.

On April 12, 2026, an adult male visiting with family collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest in the Gulf waters near a lifeguard tower. Within seconds, bystanders pulled him toward shore, calling for help.

Trent Mayr, a full time lifeguard with the South Walton Fire District, entered the water and reached the man to find no pulse. He began CPR immediately, triggering a coordinated response that brought additional lifeguards and emergency crews to the scene within minutes.

Zac Morgan, Alice Fleeman, and Beach Safety Officer Levi Rice assisted with chest compressions, airway management, and the use of an automated external defibrillator, delivering critical shocks on the sand. A mechanical CPR device was deployed as the patient was moved off the beach, where firefighters from Station 2 took over advanced care at the Coleman Pavilion, just 10 minutes after the initial rescue.

The patient soon regained a pulse and began breathing on his own.

In the days that followed, responders learned he was on track for a full recovery, a rare outcome in cardiac arrest cases where survival often depends on immediate intervention.

Officials point to this incident as a clear example of the “chain of survival,” where early action by bystanders and trained responders determines the outcome. The South Walton Fire District later recognized the lifeguards and firefighters involved, citing the seamless coordination between beach safety teams and emergency medical crews.

The broader lesson extends beyond this single rescue.

Cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death in the United States, and outcomes improve dramatically when CPR and defibrillation begin before first responders arrive. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.

In a destination like Seaside, where crowds gather year round, bystanders are often the first link in that chain.

To strengthen that link, the South Walton Fire District offers free monthly CPR classes, giving residents and visitors the skills to act in those first critical minutes.

Because in emergencies like this one, the difference is rarely luck. It is preparation, timing, and the willingness to step in when it matters most.

Recognized Lifeguards: FTG Trent Mayr, FTG Zac Morgan, Seasonal LG Alice Fleeman, BSO Levi Rice
Recognized Firefighters: Sergeant/EMT Rob Hall, Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Baker, Firefighter/Paramedic Griffin Usher, Firefighter/Paramedic Tony Evans, Firefighter/Paramedic John Dowd (not pictured), Firefighter/EMT David Shepherd (not pictured), Firefighter/EMT Mike Mosley (not pictured)

Photos by SWFD