News Summary
A heroic rescue unfolded on Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., when Randy Tillett bravely saved a 19-year-old skimboarder who had become unresponsive after a collision with a piling. Quick actions by beachgoers and emergency responders helped stabilize the teen, who was later airlifted for further treatment. Community response proved crucial in this life-saving incident.
KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. – Heroic rescue of unresponsive teen skimboarder saved his life
A dramatic rescue took place on Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, where a 19-year-old skimboarder became unresponsive in the water after colliding with a piling. Randy Tillett, who was spending a day at the beach with his family, sprang into action when he heard his wife and friends calling for help.
On the evening of the incident, around 6 p.m., the beach was busy with families enjoying the warm weather. Tillett was accompanied by his newborn son, daughter, and dog. His family was watching the skimboarder when the accident occurred. After the teen struck the piling, he fell into the water and lost consciousness. Quick-thinking beachgoers immediately recognized the emergency and mobilized to assist.
Tillett dove into the water to rescue the unresponsive teen, bringing him back to the shore. As the situation unfolded, other beachgoers joined Tillett in providing lifesaving efforts. Once on the beach, Tillett began chest compressions while another woman performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the teen.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the lifesaving efforts commenced. The teenager was transported to Outer Banks Hospital for initial care and was later airlifted to another medical facility via Dare MedFlight for further treatment.
Tillett later expressed concern and difficulty sleeping that night, worrying whether their efforts had been enough to save the young man’s life. Fortunately, he received news that the teenager was breathing and showing signs of responsiveness after being admitted to the hospital. Tillett held onto hope for the teen’s recovery and anticipated a future where he would return to the beach to skimboard once again.
Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue Supervisor David Elder commented on the event, highlighting how rapidly such incidents can occur, particularly outside of lifeguard hours, which are from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. He advised beachgoers to exercise caution regarding wave conditions, especially during high tide, as it significantly affects water safety.
The actions taken during this incident underline the importance of community response and preparedness in emergencies. Individuals on the beach that day acted quickly and decisively, which contributed to the successful rescue of the unresponsive skimboarder.
Tillett has stated that he would not hesitate to act in a similar situation again and remains hopeful for the teen’s well-being as he recovers from this alarming incident.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: Outer Banks Man Rescues Teen
- Wikipedia: Water Safety
- WITN: Manatee Rescue in Greenville
- Google Search: Teen Rescue Outer Banks
- 13 News Now: House Fire in Kill Devil Hills
- Google Scholar: Emergency Response Community
- WTKR: First Wawa in N.C. Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lifeguard
- Spectrum Local News: Beach Hole Dangers
- Google News: Beach Safety North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
