Community
10 organizations combine to rescue 9 swimmers in distress at the same time at East Beach
A group of organizations combined to rescue nearly 10 swimmers in distress at the same time.
At just after 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, members of the Watch Hill Fire Department, Westerly Police, and Westerly Ambulance were dispatched to East Beach for reports of multiple swimmers in distress with lifeguards requesting assistance.
Initial reports indicated as many as 8 swimmers in distress.
When Fire Chief Dennis Reall Jr. arrived on scene, he requested additional marine and beach assets from surrounding departments.
The WHFD’s Marine 101 was the first rescue boat to arrive on scene where, with the help of local boaters, were able to account for all swimmers.
A total of 9 individuals were transported to the dock on Bay Street where they were further assessed by EMS personnel.
The Watch Hill Fire Department released a comment on the incident.
“(Saturday’s) incident clearly exemplified the importance of a well-trained response which ended in a positive outcome. Thank you to all members and mutual aid assets who responded and clearly made a difference.”
Agencies that responded included:
The Westerly Ambulance Corps, Inc.
Charlestown Ambulance Rescue Service
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Law Enforcement
