A Near‑Miss on Wrightsville Beach
Nicole Woods, the head coach of the University of North Carolina Wilmington women’s basketball team, was spending a family day at Wrightsville Beach when her nephew was swept away by a sudden rip current.
The water’s pull was so strong that Woods waded in without hesitation, fighting the surge to bring the child back to shore. Her quick action bought precious seconds, but the effort left her unconscious and floating face‑down.
Lifeguards on duty spotted the struggle, sprinted to the scene, and pulled both Woods and her nephew from the surf. They administered CPR on the sand, restoring her breathing before rushing her to the hospital.
She spent several days in critical care, but doctors now expect a full recovery. Woods’ family issued a public thank‑you to the lifeguards and medical staff, emphasizing the lifesaving role of trained responders.
The episode has reignited conversations about water safety along the Outer Banks, where rip currents are a frequent hazard. Local officials hope the story will encourage beachgoers to respect posted warnings and to support the volunteers who patrol the shoreline.