Islip Town Lifeguards Save 3 People Caught In Ocean Rip Tide

TOWN OF ISLIP, NY — A group of Town of Islip lifeguards who rescued three beach goers were recognized by the town of Islip for their heroic actions.

On Saturday, July 29 at about 1:30 pm, ocean lifeguards Luke Olsen, Noah Chernik and Peter Lepore observed three swimmers caught in a strong rip tide in Kismet Beach. The swimmers were quickly pulled 20 yards past the breaker line, and continued to drift, requiring an immediate rescue from the lifeguard team.

Olsen leapt quickly into action and ran to the water, proceeding directly to the swimmers, despite injuring his ankle when entering the rough surf. As he swam rescue equipment out to the swimmers, Lepore assisted feeding a rescue line from the shore, while Chernik proceeded through the water to assist Olsen with the swimmers.

Thanks to the quick-actions of Olsen, Chernik and Lepore, all three swimmers were recovered and brought back to shore safely, where they required no further assistance, a release said.

The three were celebrated at the town's recent board meeting.

“This is an important reminder to all, why it is necessary to stay within the boundaries where lifeguards can see you, and a prime example of the heroic dedication and readiness our lifeguards exhibit each and every day,” said Supervisor Carpenter.