Florida Fishing Guide Recovers After Lightning Strike

Rick Stanczyk never imagined he'd become a lightning strike survivor, but on August 20th, that's exactly what happened while guiding a tarpon fishing trip off Islamorada.

The day started like any other for the 44-year-old father of two, whose family owns the iconic Bud N' Mary's Marina. Storms were visible in the distance, but nowhere near his boat.

Then everything changed in an instant. Client Mark Fravel heard a crack so loud it felt like the boat lifted into the air. Lightning had struck the water and traveled through the engine into the metal steering wheel Stanczyk was holding.

Stanczyk collapsed, with no memory of that moment or the entire day. The boat went dead in the water. While one client called 911, Fravel and another passenger immediately started CPR.

Islamorada Fire Rescue paramedics arrived within minutes, racing through dark, rainy conditions on another captain's boat to reach them. "If they weren't there to initiate CPR, who knows what the outcome would have been," said paramedic Steven Mejia.

After being airlifted to the hospital, Stanczyk spent several days in a medically induced coma. He slowly regained consciousness to his wife's calming voice explaining what happened. His response? "What?"

Why This Inspires

Florida earned its title as the lightning capital of the world this year. Lightning activity in August was 58% above average, and September saw a stunning 108% increase over normal levels.

Despite those frightening odds, Stanczyk beat them. He's now cleared all medical tests and is back on the water, feeling strong and grateful.

As an extra precaution, he uses a rubber sleeve over his new boat's steering wheel. His original Contender is still being repaired.

The experience changed his perspective on life. "You're never really guaranteed tomorrow," he said. "So you've got to enjoy the day."