72-Year-Old Surfer Rescues Father and Son at New Smyrna Beach

A 72-year-old surfer has been hailed as a hero after he rescued a father and son from perilous waters at New Smyrna Beach.

On August 26th, David “Bean” Coffee recounted his usual surfing outing to Fox 35 Orlando, noting he has been riding the waves since 1965.

When he got to Marianne Clancy Park, there were other surfers around, but they soon left, leaving him alone. Then, out of nowhere, he heard desperate screams. “I started to hear two people scream for their lives… ‘Help! Help! Someone has to help!'” Coffee shared.

He followed the sounds, thinking, “I’m here, they’re over there.” The scene was chaotic, but he felt a sense of urgency.

In the struggle against the current, it took Coffee about 10 minutes to reach the son, who was in his twenties. “I grabbed his hair and pulled him up. When I got him up, I placed him next to my surfboard,” he explained.

After ensuring the young man was safe, Coffee paddled back to the water to rescue his father. Although both had exhausted themselves, they were otherwise fine. Local deputies arrived on the scene but reported that no further medical care was needed.

The rescued man expressed his gratitude with a hug, thanking Coffee for his timely intervention. “I guess I was just in the right place at the right time,” Coffee reflected.

Interestingly, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and Beach Safety officials did not file a report, so the identities of those rescued remain unknown.

Following the rescue, Coffee had to rush off, as addressing his own doctor’s appointment became a priority after the adrenaline of the moment wore off. In the whirlwind of events, he realized he hadn’t exchanged contact info with the individuals he saved, only recalling that they were visiting from town.

Despite it all, he genuinely hopes they’re doing well. “It’s a big reminder,” he added. “Surfing is fun, but if there’s no lifeguard in sight, it’s best to stay out of the water.”