Last Friday, Sarah Williamson was lifeguarding in Riviera Beach, Florida, when she noticed a motorized paraglider was moving strangely over the ocean. She knew something was wrong and moments later, a strong gust of wind sent the 52-year-old pilot crashing into the water from hundreds of feet above.
Williamson quickly radioed for help and paddled out with her partner, John Swendel, using a rescue board and flotation tube. When they reached the man, a nearby snorkeler was already diving underwater, trying to untangle him from the paraglider’s lines.
Working together, the snorkeler freed the trapped equipment while the lifeguards secured the man and brought him safely back to shore. Fortunately, he was wearing a helmet and suffered only minor cuts and scrapes. Williamson says the pilot was shaken but full of adrenaline after the fall. She sees the moment as a reminder of how valuable it is to stay close to lifeguards when swimming, or flying in this case, so help is nearby in an emergency.
Source: WVVA
photo: GETTY