A couple from Zephyrhills, Florida, experienced a terrifying ordeal when a relaxing day at the beach quickly escalated into a critical situation. Tiffany and Bruce Brown were enjoying a brief retreat on Peanut Island on the state’s east coast on June 25 when Bruce unexpectedly suffered cardiac arrest while snorkeling.

“Amidst everything, they said, ‘We’re losing him,’ and urged anyone who knows how to pray to do so because he was slipping away,” recounted his wife, Tiffany Brown.

Known for their love of the beach and snorkeling adventures, the couple’s peaceful outing soon transformed into a scene of chaos. Good Samaritans at the beach sprang into action, tirelessly performing CPR on Bruce for 45 minutes, while others urgently searched for an automated external defibrillator (AED) to assist in his resuscitation.

“Everyone was trying to find the AED. Finally the doctor’s daughter found it in the women’s restroom,” Tiffany said.

Emergency crews also struggled to get Bruce off the island.

“They couldn’t get the helicopter to land at all. All the sheriff’s boats and the other Coast Guard, none of them were available,” Tiffany said. “So the fire department, fire rescue commander a water taxi and came across the board, put me on that, put me on the four-wheeler.”

Bruce’s heart started beating again after CPR and shocks from the AED. Tiffany said the quick action of the bystanders saved his life and wants their story to remind others of the importance of CPR training.

“He wouldn’t be here. I mean, it is life saving and you never really know when it’s going to be your time or someone that you loves time,” Tiffany said. “And I am guilty of letting mine lapse. I am a teacher, and so I’ve kind of kept mine current, but I’ve let it go the past couple of years, and Bruce has let his expire.”

According to the American Red Cross, high-quality CPR can triple a person’s chances of surviving cardiac arrest. Bruce is now recovering at home and says he is eager to get back out on the water again.

The Browns hope their experience inspires others to learn CPR and know where to locate the nearest AED, because you never know when you might need to save a life.