Disc Golfers Turn Heroes in Dramatic Lake Rescue

A routine awards ceremony at the Luther Britt Win or Swim presented by Spike Hyzer turned into an unexpected moment of heroism when several disc golfers jumped into action to rescue a young boy who was struggling in the lake on the course. The incident occurred during the PDGA B Tier event and first event on the Spike Hyzer Tour, which was being held at Luther Britt Park in Lumberton, North Carolina.

As the players were gathering to celebrate their victories, some spectators were taking advantage of the beautiful May afternoon by enjoying activities such as swimming and fishing in the lake. Unbeknownst to them, a group of kids on a floating dock about 200 feet off shore were frantically calling for help as one of their friends was drowning.

Matt Wallbrown, a PDGA player and lifeguard by trade, was the first to respond, jumping into the water from an eight-foot high deck. He was soon followed by Adam Morris, John Beckwith, and Melissa Memoli, a registered nurse who happened to be at the event. Within a minute, Wallbrown had reached the unconscious boy on the bottom of the lake and began pulling him towards safety.

As Wallbrown grew tired, Morris took over and together they managed to bring the boy to a nearby island. Beckwith stayed with the boys on the dock to ensure their safety, while Memoli provided life-saving procedures on shore until paramedics arrived. After only a few seconds of CPR from Memoli and Wallbrown, the boy began coughing up water and was eventually taken away by paramedics.

The quick thinking and bravery of these disc golfers undoubtedly saved the boy's life. Despite their own exhaustion and wet conditions, they didn't hesitate to jump into action when needed. The incident has left a lasting impact on everyone involved, including the tournament director, Chuck Connelly, who was praised for his assistance in getting the stretcher across the park.

In a remarkable coincidence, all four heroes finished well in their respective divisions at the tournament. Wallbrown placed third in recreational, Morris fourth in intermediate, Beckwith second in pro masters, and Memoli won the recreational women's division. Their heroic actions will never be forgotten, and they have given new meaning to the sport of disc golf for everyone involved.

The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that sports can have on our communities, not just on the field or course but also in times of crisis. The quick response and bravery shown by these disc golfers is a testament to the values of teamwork, compassion, and heroism that are at the heart of the sport.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/heroes-among-us