Editor’s note: The writer of the following letter requested anonymity and while we do not normally publish anonymous letters, the reason for making an exception in this case will be clear.
To the Editor:
I would like to take a minute to give some credit where I think it’s due. In our profession, we get to see a lot of heroic acts by fellow firefighters, police officers and other emergency personnel where they are given either awards or public praise for their actions.
Sherwood Island State Park lifeguards in the water during Sunday’s rescue operation. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Sometimes though, I feel it’s the ones who maybe aren’t in the public eye as often that can be left out—specifically the lifeguards who keep watch over and protect our beaches.
Late yesterday afternoon, we received a call for multiple drowning victims at Sherwood Island State Park. My company was the the first fire department unit to arrive on scene. Two victims had been rescued by another beach goer.
A third victim was still reported to be in the water. Needless to say, the scene was chaotic.
I could go on to describe the great and professional combined efforts of the Westport fire department, the joint FD/PD dive team, police and EMS personnel, as well as state and park officers to treat the patients, obtain witnesses, determine the last seen point, etc.
I do not wish to take any credit away from our first responders. But I would like to take the opportunity to commend the lifeguards on duty that day at the park.
One of the first things I noticed upon our arrival was the lifeguards, already in the water, searching for the third supposed victim. They had formed a search line perpendicular to the shore where the victim was reportedly last scene.
They called commands and worked together to search the waters. Despite rough conditions, they firmly held their line and coordinated their efforts, diving beneath the waves over and over again, fighting against the winds and the tide.
These young men and women continued their efforts for at least another 30 minutes until, against their will, they were called in to shore.
It was one of those moments in life (which may have seemed insignificant to some at the time) that really moves you and makes you take a step back and say, “Wow”.
Their efforts that day were nothing short of inspiring. These lifeguards, who appeared to be in their late teens, showed more courage, dedication and relentlessness than I’ve seen in most adults.
Even after being called in from their search, having been beaten by the surf, they continued to look for ways to contribute to the rescue efforts. They were even some of the last personnel to leave the scene after almost four hours of operations.
So to the lifeguards on duty that day (I do not know their names), thank you for your incredible efforts. They were truly inspiring and did not go unnoticed.
To their parents, thank you for raising these awesome kids who, in the face of adversity, were willing to serve their community and put others before themselves.
Although this is just my perspective of the events that occurred, I hope that this account is able to inspire and move you as a reader as much as I was inspired by the actions of the lifeguards that day.
Anonymous
Westport
