The Islip lifeguards at the Sept. 22 Town Board meeting. (courtesy)
Town of Islip ocean lifeguards Kyle Wilson, Jack Luquer and Peter Lepore were recently honored in Islip Town Hall for their heroic actions saving a teenager from choking.
The incident happened Aug. 17 at Fair Harbor, where a fruit pit got lodged in an 18-year-old boy’s throat, according to a town press release.
The lifeguards responded and performed CPR immediately, administering back blows and the Heimlich maneuver.
“The boy maintained a pulse, but was struggling to breathe,” according to the account. “Luckily, a doctor was vacationing on the beach during the incident and helped the three lifeguards stabilize the boy. Within seconds, the pit became visible and the victim’s father was able to grab and remove it.”
The teen was taken via helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital.
“It takes tremendous skills and stamina to perform the duties of an ocean lifeguard,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “Having to think and act quickly and effectively truly demonstrates the level of training and skill our ocean lifeguards posses and we thank them for their commitment to keeping our town beaches safe for swimmers and beach-goers alike.”
Fire Island lighthouse stand photo by Mike Busch
