Four Atlantic Beach lifeguards were hailed as heroes after a dramatic rescue that saved five residents from the brink of drowning.
Charlie Moran, Kieran Moran, Trevor Radin and Noah Wilson were all presented plaques recognizing them for pulling five residents including one 10-year-old who were nearly drowning out of the water during the villages monthly meeting on Aug. 4.
Dan Majikas, the chief lifeguard, said that it was the first-time honoring lifeguards for a rescue in his eight years as head guard and that they deserved to be recognized for providing efficient and effective care.
“These four lifeguards, very diligently, prevented what could have been a very disastrous situation,” he said. “They pulled those five people out of the water in what was essentially a blind spot, so for their efforts we would like to recognized these four lifeguards.”
On July 27, four Atlantic Beach lifeguards responded to a rescue involving five residents stuck in the water near a natural rock jetty by Clearwater Beach Club.
A 10-year-old boy entered the water close to the jetty and was pulled toward the rocks, struggling to stay afloat. When four adults went in to help, they too were caught in the strong current and found themselves in danger.
One lifeguard who was already in the water quickly assessed the situation and called for backup. Two additional lifeguards entered with rescue torpedoes—special flotation devices used for water rescues—to assist.
Assistant Chief Lifeguard Radin then joined the effort, using a surfboard to help bring everyone safely back to shore.
All five were rescued without serious injuries and declined medical attention at the scene.
Radin, who was honored along with his fellow guards for the rescue, called it the most serious he’s been involved in during his ten years working at the beach and said it was an honor to be recognized.
“It is amazing (to be recognized) I appreciated it very much,” Radin said. “It was awesome that the village wanted to do something like that to acknowledge our hard work. Not only did we do what we were supposed to but my lifeguards especially went above and beyond and went and worked hard so I think they deserved it and definitely appreciated it.”
The village took time to honor each lifeguard individually, sharing their stories and presenting them with plaques as residents applauded their efforts.
Nathan Etrog, the parks and beaches commissioner, said that this rescue speaks volumes to the dedication that the lifeguards show every day to the residents of the village.
“We really very much appreciate our deputy mayor and trustees for really supporting this honor,” Etrog said. “Myself and the lifeguard leadership are very proud of these four young men. It really is an example of putting their training, dedication and diligence to work, where they reacted immediately and saved five people.”
