DAYTONA BEACH — A Georgia 11-year old is recovering after being struck by lightning while standing in the ocean at Daytona Beach on June 9.

Bowen Tyre, 11 of Patterson, was standing in waist-deep water in the Atlantic Ocean off Daytona Beach Shores when he was suddenly struck by lightning on the left side of his head, near his ear.

Tyre’s father, Jason, rushed into the water after the strike and carried his son to the beach to begin resuscitation efforts.  A surfing instructor performed CPR on Tyre.  Reports stated that after 3 1/2 minutes, the boy began “gurgling fluids, then coughing.”  Volusia County Ocean Rescue then arrived and transported Tyre to the Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

Tyre and his family live in Patterson, near Waycross.  Reports stated that he was removed from a ventilator about 4 days after the incident and began treatment in Jacksonville at Brooks Rehabilitation last week working with physical and occupational therapists as his recovery continues.