Man dies after trying to rescue daughter from ‘life-threatening surf‘

A 48-year-old man died Tuesday night after entering what officials described as life-threatening surf to save his daughter in Currituck County on the Outer Banks.

Dispatchers were called about two swimmers in distress about 3:15 p.m..

The man entered the water to rescue his daughter but was overcome by the waves, according to a news release from Currituck County spokesperson Randall Edwards.

Lifeguards from Corolla Beach Rescue responded within three minutes. The man, who has not been publicly identified, was pulled from the water in cardiac arrest.

Emergency medical services personnel performed CPR in the sand for about 35 minutes before the man regained a pulse, according to

Tim Riley, deputy chief of Currituck County Fire and EMS.

After regaining a pulse, the man was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital by the Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance in critical condition. He died in the hospital several hours later, Riley said.

“This is a sad ending to what had been a great example of teamwork and skill,” Edwards said.

The man’s daughter was able to leave the water before lifeguards arrived. She was found safe on the beach, according to Edwards.

Officials said there were red flags at the beach to warn people to stay out of the water. Edwards said that the dangerous surf conditions are expected to continue for several days as Hurricane Teddy passes off of the Atlantic Coast.