25 rescuers and lifeguards save several swimmers in rocky waters

A group of people helped rescue several swimmers in the rocky waters created by Tropical Storm Elsa.

According Charlestown Ambulance Rescue Service, at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Charlestown Rescue was dispatched to the East Beach State Beach off of East Beach Road, along with Charlestown Police and Dunn’s Corners Fire Department, for two swimmers in the water. Charlestown Dispatch relayed that two swimmers were approximately 400 yards off the shore with East Beach lifeguards attempting rescues. Charlestown Parks and Recreation lifeguards from Blue Shutters also responded to the dispatch of Rescue units.

Initial arriving Charlestown Rescue units observed multiple swimmers in the water, holding onto a rescue board, 400 yards off the shore and quarter mile down the beachfront. Charlestown Rescue deployed rescue swimmers with rope tethers to assist in the rescues. Rescue Swimmers upon making contact with the other swimmers, found one injured party. Rescuers on shore pulled the rope tethers and assisted the rescue swimmers and lifeguards pulling the victims back to shore.

A total of 25 Rescuers and Lifeguards from Charlestown Rescue, Charlestown Police, Dunn’s Corners Fire Department, Charlestown Parks and Recreation, Westerly Ambulance, and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Police were involved in rescuing and treating the victims under severe ocean conditions.

Charlestown Rescue along with Westerly Ambulance treated a total of 5 patients, all refusing further care or treatment.