Keiser University Flagship campus student Camryn Hudson’s skills were recently put to test as she assisted with a life-saving rescue. The Boynton Beach, Florida native who also serves as a part-time Ocean Rescue Unit lifeguard for the Town of Palm Beach recently assisted supervisor Craig Pollack with the effort.  

After the day’s training exercises, Pollack identified two females being swept to sea due to a dangerous rip current and quickly arranged the rescue, as Hudson joined to remove one of the victims from the forceful channel of water. “The experience was a great team effort and underscored the importance of communication,” said Hudson. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have learned many valuable lessons about saving lives and the ocean’s tides and currents from Craig Pollack, and am glad this experience may help shed light on the deadly currents.” 

Hudson recognizes her Keiser University Health and Human Performance classes for insights relating to how traumatic and stressful situations can affect physical and mental abilities and her training as a Keiser University Seahawk athlete for keeping her in shape. She’s also thankful to swim coach Adam Epstein for his leadership example. “The current was strong, but I’m thankful that I was at peace and had confidence that Supervisor Pollack and I could save them,” said Hudson. “I’m grateful for all the experiences that helped to develop my abilities and am very honored that I can watch over swimmers and assist them if needed,” she said.

Please visit here to view the Palm Beach Daily News article by Carol Rose highlighting the rescue.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, lifeguards in the U.S. rescue approximately 30,000 swimmers from rip currents each year. Those encountering them are encouraged to remain afloat, yell for help, and swim parallel to the shore while not fighting them. Additional information may be found here. 

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Performance focuses on advanced health and fitness assessment, and prescription and lifestyle modification. The program provides information relating to health risk factors, exercise leadership, the biomechanics of movement, physiological adaptations to exercise, injury prevention, corrective exercise, business management, and ethics in sport. 

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university, serving nearly 20,000 students and employing 2,900 faculty and staff members. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, the university currently offers more than 100 degrees at 21 Florida campuses, as well as online and at two international sites. Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a level VI institution to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. For additional information regarding Keiser University, visit http://www.keiseruniversity.edu.