Fisherman rescues woman after hearing cries for help on lake

What started as a peaceful morning on the water quickly turned into a life-saving moment for one Middle Georgia fisherman.

(CNN) – For Marvin Winston, fishing has always been a way to reset. Winston often spends hours on the lake, documenting his trips for his YouTube fishing channel, where he shares quiet moments of sunrise catches and calm waters with viewers.

But on February 19th, that calm was suddenly interrupted.

“I always make the decision to go right underneath the bridge here,” Winston said. “Something was calling me to the opposite side.”

That instinct led him to hear something no one else nearby seemed to notice — a faint cry for help coming from across the water. Winston paddled to shore, got out of his kayak, and followed the voice. What he found was a woman injured, alone, and struggling to breathe. Without hesitation, Winston sprang into action — calling 911, staying with the woman, and helping guide first responders to her location.

“It was instinct,” Winston said. “To hear somebody in distress the way that this woman was calling out for help, something had to be done.”

Officials say his quick thinking made a critical difference.

According to Richard Adams with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Winston’s actions were extraordinary.

“What Marvin did is exceptional because he was able to redirect 911 operators to get first responders on the scene,” Adams said.

Winston has since been honored for his actions — recognition that officials say is rare.

But for him, the moment wasn’t about awards — it was about doing the right thing.

“In a world where people think that humanity is lacking, hopefully this shows that there are good people in this world,” Winston said. “We just need to act.”