Jersey Shore Heroes: Lavallette Lifeguards Honored for Massive Rip Current Rescue
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Lavallette NJ, a group of quick-thinking lifeguards in Lavallette, New Jersey, were celebrated as heroes this week after they saved nearly two dozen children from a dangerous rip current. The heroic rescue, which took place on a busy afternoon, is being hailed as one of the largest in the history of the Lavallette Beach Patrol.
The Rescue: A “Washout” at White Avenue Beach
On the afternoon of August 11, about 20 children between the ages of 8 and 12 from the Lavallette Yacht Club sailing school were caught in a powerful rip current. According to Lt. Joe Caucino, a 50-year veteran of the beach patrol, a “big set of waves came in” and caused a “washout,” pulling the kids off a sandbar and into the deeper water.
Despite the frightening situation, the lifeguards’ extensive training kicked in. Lifeguard Tristan Rodriguez, who was on duty that day, said, “It was definitely a little frightening, but we do a lot of training to prepare ourselves for that moment and at that point, you just have to trust in your abilities and what you’re trained to do and kind of take action.”
A Deserved Honor
During a borough council meeting, the lifeguards were officially recognized for their lifesaving actions. The team received local accolades and a special commendation from State Assemblyman Paul Kanitra. “I just want to thank you all for representing this town so incredibly well, this county so incredibly well and my legislative district so incredibly well,” Kanitra said.
This summer has been particularly busy for lifeguards up and down the Jersey Shore, with rough surf leading to a high number of rescues. In Lavallette alone, lifeguards recorded 86 assists and 18 major rescues.
Lt. Caucino hopes this heroic recognition will help a bigger cause: getting lifeguards classified as first responders. He believes the designation is “way overdue” and would give them the recognition and resources they deserve for their critical work in protecting the public.
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Good idea! They certainly are (first).