Unconscious Rye surfer identified: Jenness Beach rescuers praised

RYE — A Massachusetts man has been identified as the unconscious surfer who was pulled from the water by fellow surfers at Jenness Beach Tuesday. He remained hospitalized Wednesday morning.

A group of surfers is being hailed as good Samaritans by public safety officials for helping the man after he experienced a medical emergency Tuesday around 3:30 p.m. The family of the man, whose identity was not immediately shared publicly by Rye officials due to federal patient privacy law, contacted police late Tuesday after seeing news reports about his rescue.

The man was still undergoing treatment at Portsmouth Regional Hospital as of Wednesday morning with his family by his side, according to Rye Fire Chief Mark Cotreau.

Surfers, lifeguards praised for saving man

The town’s fire and police chiefs believe the situation might have unfolded differently had the surfers not stepped in and removed the man from the ocean, called the lifeguards over and initiated resuscitation efforts.

“First of all, all the folks that were surfing and all the people on the beach yesterday shows the quality of people in New Hampshire, even the visitors, that want to help,” Rye Police Chief Kevin Walsh said. “I attribute that to be a major part of why this person is alive.”

“If he was left out there, then it’s questionable as to what the timeline would have been. It’s very possible that those (surfers’) quick actions in noticing this was instrumental in saving this gentleman's life,” Cotreau added.

Walsh also praised residents and media outlets in New Hampshire and Massachusetts who helped officials identify the man.

“We’ve had medical emergencies before, and the unique thing is that the people in New Hampshire and particularly on the Seacoast, respond 110%,” Walsh said. “They’re always willing to help and get emergency services started. People recognize something doesn’t look right, but they (want) to help. They get it started. All those people out there in the water and on the beach did a great job."

Rye police investigated after the surfer was transported to the hospital. Long after he was safely removed from the water by surfers, his car was identified in the parking lot at the state beach.

The surfers who brought the man to the shore noticed him laying down on his board in the water for an extended time, indicating he could be in distress, according to Cotreau.

The surfers brought him to the sand, called over lifeguards and began medical aid before Rye emergency services arrived.

The fire chief noted getting the man's medical history to hospital staff was important.

“It was very important that we got this patient’s identification and connection with his family. We’re very appreciative,” Cotreau said.

The man’s family arrived at Portsmouth Regional Hospital Tuesday evening, Cotreau added.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Unconscious Rye surfer identified: Jenness Beach rescuers praised