STONY BROOK, Long Island (WABC) -- A man vacationing in New York is sharing his harrowing story after a beach day nearly ended in tragedy.

Wally Smith was pulled from the water off Fire Island on Sunday after suffering a medical emergency. Lifeguards and EMS struggled to revive him, and it wasn't until 15 hours later that he finally regained consciousness.

"It's a life-changing event, and I think I was literally dead for about six minutes," Smith said.

Smith is grateful beyond words that he's still around to tell his incredible story.

It started Sunday with picture-perfect waves at Fair Harbor on Fire Island. The 65-year-old Smith was vacationing from Michigan, watching his boys on their boogie boards.

"Next thing I know, I wake up in a hospital," Smith said.

A lot happened in betwe

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