A 72-year-old surfer is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a father and son from dangerous waters off New Smyrna Beach.

On August 26, David “Bean” Coffee told FOX 35 Orlando he went out to surf as usual.

The 72-year-old said he’s been surfing since 1965.

There were a few other surfers out near Marianne Clancy Park when he first arrived, but they soon left.

Not long after, Coffee said he heard screams in the distance.

“I started hearing two people screaming for their lives… “Help! Help! Somebody help me! There’s got to be somebody – help!” Coffee recalled to FOX 35.

“I’m right here, they’re over there,” Coffee said, pointing to the ocean.

“That is easy a half football field away.”

Fighting the current, Coffee said it took about 10 minutes to get to the son, a man in his 20s

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