Rescuers pull teen from surf in Long Beach

Swimmer in critical condition after entering water at Magnolia Boulevard beach

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A teenager is in critical condition after he entered the water at Magnolia Boulevard beach on Tuesday, and rescuers rushed to pull the distressed swimmer to safety.

The Long Beach Fire Department said it received an emergency call at 4:57 p.m. that a swimmer was in distress. Off-duty lifeguards and others rushed into the ocean to rescue the 15-year-old boy from Malverne who was spending time with a group of friends when he was pulled into a rip current, said Chief of Lifeguards Paul Gillespie.

“The victim was pulled out by good Samaritans and lifeguards, and then handed to Long Beach Fire Department paramedics, who transported [the victim] to South Nassau Communities Hospital. The victim began breathing on [his] own during transport and is currently being treated in critical condition," the Fire Department said in a statement on Facebook.

Gillespie said lifeguard Chase Callahan was surfing in the area when he rushed to save the teen.

"He was a big help," Gillespie said. "Without him, I don't know if that kid would've survived. It's all about being at the right place at the right time."

He also credited a local man who ran into the water to save the boy. "He went out there and totally exhausted himself. He didn’t realize how hard this was — the shape you have to be in. He was totally spent."

The incident occurred just days before lifeguards go on duty daily beginning June 24 and through Sept. 4. From May 27 to June 18, lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends only, and beachgoers are prohibited from entering the water when lifeguards are not present.

Gillespie also credited local police and firefighters for their help on the scene.

"[We] couldn’t do it without the Fire Department and the Police Department," he said. "They go hand-in-hand with the lifeguards. It's a great team of people that the city is lucky they have."

While he couldn't confirm, Gillespie said he believes the boy is no longer in critical condition.