Once he was able, Black picked up Cortez and walked closer to shore so he could call to lifeguards for help.
“I helped them get [Cortez] stabilized and they went through their process [of tending to him],” Black said. “I’m just glad I was there to help any way I could.”
Noting that Cortez is a little younger than his own brother, Black added: “Seeing someone that needed help, I knew I had to get down there and help him. I was feeling confident that with all my training I knew what to do. I wasn’t panicking and knew I could get him out. I knew I had to get him out before more waves came, because he couldn’t get to his feet. I knew I had to act fast.”
And for that, Cortez’s mother, Stephanie, is appreciative.
“My family is forever grateful,” she told the Light. “He is an amazing young man that younger kids can look up to. I know Kiefer will continue to do great things in his future.”
“It could have been a lot worse,” she added, noting that Cortez only experienced bruising and soreness. “We are very lucky.”
Cortez also is a frequent surfer at Windansea, saying he is there four times a week. But he said he “learned a good lesson to be aware” of changing conditions.
“I like to surf and bodysurf, so I was out with my friends for a while and this rock got exposed that wasn’t there when we went out,” Cortez said. “I landed right on it. I got the wind knocked out of me for longer than I ever had. I was very scared for my life. I didn’t know what was going to happen.”
He said he’s grateful that Black was able to help him and that he stayed with him until his parents arrived at the beach.
Cortez attended the ceremony to honor Black because “I wanted to show my respect and appreciation … that he was there.” ◆
