News Summary
Austin Gibbons, a beloved surfer and lifeguard instructor in Long Beach, has tragically passed away following a medical episode while surfing. Known for his dedication to the local surfing community and his work with special needs students at Skudin Surf Camp, Gibbons’s commitment to helping others left a significant mark. A paddle-out ceremony is being organized to celebrate his life, as the community mourns the loss of a passionate advocate for the ocean and youth mentoring.
Long Beach, NY – Austin Gibbons, a 26-year-old surfer and instructor well-known in the Long Beach community, passed away on Friday following a medical episode while he was in the water. Lifeguards and Long Beach firefighters quickly responded, pulling him out of the water around 11:30 a.m.
Upon reaching the beach near Riverside Boulevard, Gibbons received CPR and was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the medical episode later that afternoon.
Gibbons had a notable presence in the local surfing community and had moved to Hawaii last year to pursue a career as a lifeguard on Oahu. His time in Hawaii was marked by a significant surfing accident in February, where he was found unconscious on his board while surfing near Ehukai Beach Park. After initially being hospitalized, he recovered and returned to his role as an instructor at Skudin Surf.
As a dedicated instructor at Skudin Surf Camp, Gibbons taught swimming and surfing, focusing particularly on water therapy for special needs students. He was a certified lifeguard and had been part of the Skudin Surf family for over 15 years, having started as a young camper himself. His warmth, compassion, and dedication to each camper were hallmarks of his teaching style.
Austin Gibbons was also known for his athletic prowess in other sports. He played lacrosse for Long Beach High School and Nassau County Community College, and he earned the title of “King of the Beach” at an annual surfing competition in Long Beach.
His enthusiasm for the ocean and positive energy left a lasting impact on those around him. Cliff Skudin, co-founder of Skudin Surf, noted Gibbons’ passion and his plans to be involved in judging surf contests, affirming his significant role within the surf community.
In addition to his responsibilities as a surf instructor, Gibbons was especially passionate about working with teens with developmental disabilities through Skudin’s Surf For All nonprofit initiative. His commitment to enriching the lives of others through surfing and swimming therapy resonated deeply in the community.
In the wake of his passing, mental health counselors will be made available to provide support to Skudin Surf staff, lifeguards, and campers, addressing the emotional impacts felt by many due to this sudden loss.
To celebrate Austin Gibbons’ life, his family, along with Skudin Surf, is organizing a paddle-out ceremony in his honor. Gibbons is survived by his parents, Austin and Christine Gibbons, as well as his grandparents.
A visitation service for Gibbons is scheduled for Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a funeral Mass on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius Martyr Church in Long Beach.
As the community comes together to remember Gibbons, his contributions to surfing, lifeguarding, and helping others will not be forgotten. He leaves behind a legacy of love for the ocean and commitment to teaching, which will continue to inspire many.
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Additional Resources
- Newsday: Austin Gibbons Obituary
- Wikipedia: Austin Gibbons
- Legacy.com: Thomas Brown Obituary
- Google Search: Austin Gibbons
- Dignity Memorial: Mary Stevens Obituary
- Google Scholar: Austin Gibbons
- Bissler & Sons: Frances Austin Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Gibbons
- Pagenkopf: Austin Workman Obituary
- Google News: Austin Gibbons
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