On May 21, a bright Saturday at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, Nicole Woods, the women’s basketball coach at UNC Wilmington, entered the surf to rescue her eight‑year‑old nephew who had been swept away by a rip current.
The current seized both of them, dragging them beneath the waves. Though Woods is a strong swimmer, she began to lose consciousness, and in a final effort she pushed her nephew above the water so he could gasp for air, buying the seconds needed for a rescue.
Lifeguards and beachgoers pulled the pair to shore, where emergency personnel immediately began CPR. Paramedics later attached a defibrillator and kept Woods on a ventilator for more than a day before she could breathe unaided.
Doctors have since confirmed that Woods suffered no brain injury and has been cleared for a full recovery. She is now resting at home, grateful for the swift response of first responders and the luck that spared her family.
Rip Currents: A Hidden Threat
Woods’ ordeal serves as a stark reminder that rip currents can strike anyone, regardless of swimming ability. Local officials have renewed calls for beachgoers to heed warning signs and to swim only in designated, supervised areas.
Leadership in Transition
With Woods focusing on her recuperation, associate head coach Cherie Lea has assumed temporary responsibility for the day‑to‑day operations of the women’s basketball program, ensuring continuity as the team prepares for the upcoming season.