New Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino today joined with Oyster Bay Town Councilman Louis B. Imbroto and Oyster Bay Town Councilman Thomas P. Hand in recognizing the outstanding and lifesaving actions of two Town of Oyster Bay Lifeguards, Lifeguard Captain Brian Rhoads, 25, of Syosset, and Lifeguard Andres Martinez, 19, of Farmingdale, who teamed up to save the life of a 17-month old boy at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park Pool on Thursday, July 13th. The two lifeguards were on the job overseeing all of the pool activities when they quickly identified the boy, who had become unresponsive while swimming in the shallow pool.
“Mr. Martinez, who was stationed at the shallow pool, first spotted the unconscious child lying face down in the water and immediately pulled the victim out of the water,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Captain Rhoads then checked the victim, noticed a pulse but no breathing and began giving chest compressions. The child then proceeded to cough up water and begin to cry and breath normally again.”
Supervisor Saladino said the lifeguard’s decisiveness and excellent training is why the child is alive today…happy and healthy. “The quick and skillful actions of the lifeguard crew were praised by those who witnessed the event,” Supervisor Saladino said. “All agreed that these exceptional individuals acted heroically. They rendered lifesaving aid and deserve special commendation. They made a great team together.”
Supervisor Saladino said he is extremely proud to acknowledge the extraordinary actions of those who protect our residents and the public at large and noted that the Town’s lifeguards train extensively and provide exemplary service to guests who visit the Town’s pools and beaches.
“Every day, the actions of our lifeguards define what it means to, in fact, guard the lives of the residents of the Town of Oyster Bay,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Today’s recognition ceremony honors the extraordinary actions of two exceptional lifeguards. However, we are all incredibly grateful and proud for the service provided by all of our lifeguards and the comforting peace of mind they give us each and every day.”