Overview

• The incident occurred on Sunday, July 6, when vacationers spotted the deer about 300 yards offshore near the pier as it fled Fourth of July festivities.
• Senior lifeguard Chase Hunter joined rookie Leo Peters on a human rescue board as they battled choppy waves, heavy rain, two nearby sharks, strong currents, limited visibility to reach the animal.
• Biologist James Kroll suggested the deer likely entered the surf to escape noise or predators before becoming caught in coastal currents.
• Flagler Beach Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Cox said this was the first ocean deer rescue in his 15-year career, praising the team's adaptability.
• After being brought ashore, the deer was found uninjured, released into a nearby forest with no further intervention required.