On Sunday, July 14, Fire Island National Seashore lifeguards made over a dozen rescues and swimmer assists near the Sailors Haven and Barrett Beach locations.

Two- three-foot waves with light wind and well-spaced wave sets created inviting conditions for swimmers on a warm weekend beach day. While the waves were not large, the deeper swell carried more energy and moved more water, creating rip currents pulling swimmers offshore.

“While our first rescue was the most significant, similar scenarios would unfold across our swimming area throughout the day. Occasionally, a larger wave set would approach the beach breaking on a sandbar, which swimmers would have to negotiate,” said head lifeguard James Lever. “More significantly, this added water to the shoreline, creating eddies and rip currents disorienting and fatiguing swimmers.”

“Observing the signs and patterns of the ocean allowed lifeguards to properly assist in a rapid manner,” said chief ranger Erik Westpfahl. “Many of the rescues occurred outside of our marked area. The strong communication between staff placed everyone in an optimal position to respond as fast as possible.”