Near-Drowning Survivor Shares Story at UNCW
Nicole Woods spoke to university students about the importance of water safety after surviving a May incident.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Accidents
Nicole Woods shared her story of a near-drowning incident at a Water Safety Night event for UNCW students. Woods was revived by bystanders and police after saving her nephew at Wrightsville Beach.
Why it matters
The event aims to prevent future tragedies by educating students on the necessity of being prepared for water emergencies. Sharing real-life survival stories serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with coastal activities.
Nearly 70 UNCW students attended the Water Safety Night to hear about the risks of aquatic recreation. The session also referenced a previous kayak accident involving a student who faced 30-degree temperatures during his survival ordeal.
The players
Nicole Woods
She is a near-drowning survivor who now actively promotes water safety awareness among students.
Gadisson Speight
He is a student at UNCW who previously survived a harrowing kayak accident while hunting in freezing conditions.
Aaron Stasiak
He is the founder and CEO of The Qualified Captain, an organization dedicated to maritime safety and education.
The details
Nicole Woods nearly lost her life in May 2026 while pulling her nephew from the surf at Wrightsville Beach. After losing consciousness and a heartbeat, she was revived on the sand by local police officers and bystanders.
Timeline
Winter 2025: Student Gadisson Speight experienced a kayak accident.
May 2026: Nicole Woods nearly drowned while saving her nephew.
October 26, 2026: Nicole Woods spoke at a university water safety event.
November 7, 2026: Rescuers will be honored at a basketball game.
Legal Context
This event follows the pattern set by the 2025 water safety initiatives promoted by The Qualified Captain. It reflects a growing institutional focus on using survival accounts to highlight the critical nature of emergency preparedness.
Residents in the Wilmington area are reminded to stay vigilant and prepared when engaging in coastal water activities. The upcoming recognition of first responders emphasizes the critical role of community and professional assistance in emergency situations.
The takeaway
Understanding how to react to water emergencies can mean the difference between life and death for yourself and others. Always prioritize safety equipment and awareness when planning any outing near the water.
What happens next
The university will honor the rescuers who assisted Nicole Woods during a designated ceremony at the UNCW women's basketball game on November 7, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local safety efforts, visit the Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWAYTV3.
