A Surfer’s Heroism

On Dec. 29, Jeff Maxwell proved himself to be a local hero. My husband, Jack, was surfing at a spot called the Pipes in Ventura. He and Jeff were paddling back out to get more waves when Jack was run into by another surfer. He was hit in the neck, knocked unconscious and was beneath the surface of the water.

According to Jeff, the surfer who hit Jack came to help, but Jeff reached him first. Jeff pulled Jack out of the water, got him onto a larger board and then both surfers helped him to the shore. Realizing that Jack was disoriented, Jeff stayed with him, helped him to his car, helped him change and called me.

When I arrived, Jack was still in a state of shock and confusion, not even knowing what day or month it was. We went to the emergency room for X-rays and medical attention. He has a fracture in one cervical vertebrae and a very sore, stiff and bruised neck, but so far seems to be recovering well.

When we called Jeff to thank him for saving Jack’s life, he humbly answered, “Just another day at the beach.” Thanks to Jeff, Jack is still here to have some more days at the beach.

SYLVIA GILMOUR

Ventura