
Right Place, Right Time: Olympic Kite Surfer Rescues Woman Swept Out to Sea
An extraordinary rescue unfolded off the coast recently, as Bruno Lobo Olympic kite surfer saved a woman who had been swept far from shore—likely only moments from disaster. The dramatic moment, captured on video, serves as a stark reminder of the sea’s unpredictable power.
Bruno Lobo, who competed for Team Brazil in the Men’s Formula Kite event at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games, recounted the incident on his social media. Lobo, who placed seventh overall in the event, had ventured out late in the afternoon of Friday, 10 January, to test a new camera. The 31-year-old noted the less-than-ideal conditions, with overcast skies and challenging winds, but decided to proceed, setting his camera to record as he navigated the waters.
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The woman, visibly exhausted and panicked, clung to life amid the choppy waves. Drawing on his experience and composure, Lobo calmed her and helped her climb onto his back. Using his kite equipment, he ferried her back to shore, where lifeguards (who might have been at lunch😲) were ready to administer first aid.
As well as being an elite athlete, Lobo is also a practising orthopaedic doctor—a dual set of skills that likely contributed to the success of the rescue. Reflecting on the experience, he shared a crucial piece of advice: “Beware the dangers of the sea, rivers, and unfamiliar waters. Strong currents can turn seemingly safe places into traps.”
Details of how the woman became stranded remain unclear, but the incident highlights a vital truth: the ocean, while beautiful and awe-inspiring, demands respect and caution. This remarkable story is a testament to skill, bravery, and being in the right place at the right time.