A Louisiana shuttle driver is being praised for rescuing three tourists who were caught in a dangerous rip current near Grand Isle, despite having no formal lifeguard training.
Jordan Matthew, a driver for Reliant Shuttle, had just dropped off a group of tourists from Oklahoma at a beach near the Elmer’s Island wildlife refuge when someone from the group urgently flagged him down. According to Matthew, a young boy had been pulled into a rip current, and a woman who tried to help him was also caught in the water. A third person from the group was then swept up by the same current while swimming nearby.
Matthew said he could see the three struggling as waves crashed over them. The situation appeared serious, and the current was pulling them away from safety.
Although he was not trained as a lifeguard, Matthew ran into the water and began helping them one by one. He first reached the young boy and one of the women, pulling them toward shallower water before helping them back to shore.
TRENDING TODAY
He then swam farther out to reach the third woman, who had drifted away from the others. Matthew managed to grab her and bring her back, reportedly carrying her over his shoulder at one point as he helped her out of the water.
Matthew later described his response as a moment of intense focus. He said he “locked in” and concentrated only on getting each person out safely. He also told the people he was rescuing to stay calm so they would not lose energy while struggling in the water.
Louisiana’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries praised Matthew in a social media post, calling his actions quick-thinking and heroic. The agency said all three people made it safely out of the water because of his intervention.
The tourists were physically unharmed, though Matthew said they were emotionally shaken by the experience. They later invited him to dinner to thank him for helping save them.
The incident also prompted officials to remind beachgoers about the dangers of rip currents. These currents can be difficult to spot and can quickly pull swimmers away from shore. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says rip currents are narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow away from the beach and are involved in about 100 deaths in the United States each year.
Experts advise people caught in a rip current not to swim directly against it. Instead, they should swim parallel to the shore until they are out of the current, then return to land at an angle. If they cannot escape, they should float, conserve energy, and call for help.
Matthew also warned that people unfamiliar with coastal waters can underestimate the danger. He said calm-looking water may still be dangerous and can sometimes signal the presence of a rip current.
For the tourists caught in the water, Matthew’s quick decision made all the difference. What began as a routine shuttle drop-off became a rescue that state officials are now calling an act of courage and selflessness.
Why It Matters
The rescue matters because rip currents are one of the most dangerous hazards at beaches, especially for visitors who may not recognize the warning signs. Matthew’s actions helped prevent what could have become a tragedy.
The story also highlights the importance of public awareness around water safety. Even strong swimmers can struggle in rip currents, and knowing how to respond can save lives.
What Comes Next
Officials are likely to continue using the incident to remind beachgoers to stay alert, check local water conditions, and avoid swimming in dangerous areas.
Matthew’s rescue may also encourage more public discussion about safety signage, beach monitoring, and the need for visitors to understand rip current risks before entering the water.
