Tyree Ward was at the beach in Wildwood, New Jersey on Monday (7/13/20) with his family when a woman frantically approached and asked him to save her friend, who was struggling to swim in the Atlantic Ocean
"Without hesitation, Mr. Ward entered the water and swam out to the victim," the Wildwood Fire Department wrote in a Facebook post. "Mr. Ward’s selfless actions most certainly saved this woman’s life."
The incident occurred around 8 p.m., when lifeguards were no longer on duty.
Ward secured the woman and brought her closer to the shore before Wildwood Beach Patrol's ALERT Team lifeguards arrived to assist.
"I went under water, pushed her," Ward said. "Once we got to better water, I just picked her up and started walking back with her. She had no energy or strength left in her."
Firefighters and police also responded to the scene. The 20-year-old woman, who was not identified, was transported to Cape Regional Medical Center.
Emergency personnel met with Ward later on Monday night to Thank him for his Heroic efforts. They also gave him a t-shirt and a hat in appreciation for efforts.
The City of Wildwood Fire Department, posted about the amazing life saving efforts of Tyree Ward on their FaceBook Page.
"Mr. Tyree Ward, an auto mechanic from Philadelphia, was visiting Wildwood last evening with his family and saved a young woman from drowning off of the Baker Ave. beach. Mr. Ward did not hesitate to enter the water and execute an effective rescue of the woman prior to the arrival of first responders. The woman was transported to the hospital by the Wildwood FD for evaluation. Job well done Tyree!"