Fernandina Beach, Florida, December 30, 2025
Lance T. Jones has been awarded the Carnegie Medal for bravely rescuing a young girl from a rip current at Fernandina Beach, Florida. On April 24, a 9-year-old was swept away, prompting Jones to swim 300 feet to her aid. His quick actions saved the girl’s life; however, her father tragically drowned during the attempt to save her. This recognition highlights the importance of heroism in life-threatening situations and raises awareness about the dangers of rip currents.
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Carnegie Medal Awarded for Heroic Rip Current Rescue
Fernandina Beach, Florida – Lance T. Jones has been honored with the Carnegie Medal for his courageous rescue of a young girl from a rip current at Fernandina Beach. On April 24, 2025, Jones, a 45-year-old sales consultant, responded to a distress call when a 9-year-old girl was swept approximately 300 feet from shore by a strong rip current. Despite the perilous conditions, Jones swam out, calmed the frightened child, and safely guided her back to the beach. His swift and selfless actions prevented a potential tragedy.
Details of the Rescue
The incident unfolded when the young girl, along with her 6-year-old cousin, was playing in shallow water at Fernandina Beach. Suddenly, a powerful rip current pulled them into deeper waters. The girl’s father, Joshua A. Curtis, a 38-year-old craftsman from Halifax, Massachusetts, witnessed the struggle from the shore and immediately entered the water to assist. He managed to keep the children afloat and attempted to push them back toward the shore. However, Curtis eventually became overwhelmed and continued drifting farther out with the 6-year-old on his back. The 9-year-old girl kept trying to make her way toward shore. On the beach, a bystander alerted Jones, who was nearby. He saw the girl about 300 feet from shore, ran into the water, and swam out to her. She grabbed him and briefly pulled him under, but once he calmed her, he was able to get her back to shallow water, where another bystander helped her the rest of the way to shore. Tragically, Curtis drowned during the rescue attempt.
Background on the Carnegie Medal
The Carnegie Medal is awarded by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission to individuals who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Established in 1904, the medal honors acts of heroism in civilian life. Jones’s recognition underscores the profound impact of individual bravery in life-threatening situations.
Rip Current Safety Awareness
Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore, posing significant dangers to swimmers. Beachgoers are advised to heed local warnings and swim at guarded beaches. If caught in a rip current, it’s crucial to stay calm, avoid fighting the current, and swim parallel to the shoreline to escape. Understanding and respecting these guidelines can prevent tragic incidents.
Related Incidents and Recognitions
In a similar act of heroism, Mariano Martinez, a Sarasota County lifeguard, received the National Medal of Valor in May 2025 for rescuing seven people from a rip current at Lido Beach in 2024. His swift actions were instrumental in preventing multiple drownings.
Conclusion
Lance T. Jones’s receipt of the Carnegie Medal highlights the critical importance of vigilance and prompt action in the face of natural water hazards. His bravery serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of rip currents and the life-saving impact of individuals who act decisively to assist others in distress.
FAQ
What is the Carnegie Medal?
The Carnegie Medal is awarded by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission to individuals who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Established in 1904, the medal honors acts of heroism in civilian life.
What should I do if caught in a rip current?
If caught in a rip current, it’s crucial to stay calm, avoid fighting the current, and swim parallel to the shoreline to escape. Understanding and respecting these guidelines can prevent tragic incidents.
How can I stay safe from rip currents?
To stay safe from rip currents, heed local warnings, swim at guarded beaches, and be aware of the flag color system used by ocean rescue personnel to alert of rip currents.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident | Lance T. Jones rescues a 9-year-old girl from a rip current at Fernandina Beach, Florida, leading to the drowning of her father, Joshua A. Curtis. |
| Award | Jones is honored with the Carnegie Medal for his heroic actions. |
| Background | The Carnegie Medal is awarded to individuals who risk their lives to save others, established in 1904. |
| Safety Advice | Guidelines on rip current safety, including staying calm and swimming parallel to the shoreline if caught in a rip current. |
| Related Incidents | Mariano Martinez’s rescue of seven people from a rip current at Lido Beach in 2024, earning him the National Medal of Valor in 2025. |
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