Committed to saving lives

Committed to saving lives

he Reynolds Channel water is calm, and the sun is setting in the distance, slowly casting a shadow near the Atlantic Beach Bridge. It’s an easy sight to get lost in when crossing from Lawrence to Atlantic Beach.

A new member needs to understand that they may be called at any time to respond to an alarm.”

Robin Trott Rescue squad EMT

Stay safe in and on the water

Before going swimming, boating or doing anything in and around the water pay attention to these safety tips.

Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and driving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to swim.

Actively supervise children whenever around the water — even if lifeguards are present.

Ensure that everyone in the family leans to swim. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.

If you go boating, wear a life jacket. Most boating fatalities occur from drowning.

Source: American Red Cross

The Reynolds Channel water is calm, and the sun is setting in the distance, slowly casting a shadow near the Atlantic Beach Bridge. It’s an easy sight to get lost in when crossing from Lawrence to Atlantic Beach.

A dock and a building near the south end of the bridge are the headquarters of the Atlantic Beach Rescue Squad, and despite the idyllic setting, the volunteers inside never relax when it comes to the safety of the people they assist.

As a first response volunteer agency, the rescue squad provides water- and land-based rescue and emergency care. It patrols 22 miles of coastline, which includes Reynolds Channel and the residential area of Atlantic Beach Estates.

“We’re on call always,” said Chief Jonathan Kohan, a member since 1979. “You call, we come, 24/7, 365.”

Founded in 1975, the squad originally comprised members of the Atlantic Beach Auxiliary Police. It was established to help ensure faster response times to emergencies. Initially, the unit was funded by the Village of Atlantic Beach, but since 1992 it has been under contract with the Atlantic Beach Fire District.

The Rescue Squad protects 5,800 people and 1,258 homes, and responds to about 200 calls a year, the vast majority coming during June, July and August. On a summer day when the beaches are open, there are anywhere from 12,000 to 15,000 additional people in its coverage area.

Squad members receive monthly training at their headquarters, provided by Northwell Health’s Center for Learning and Innovation. The training is based on the state Department of Health’s curriculum for pre-hospital care providers, who are licensed in basic and advanced life support skills, and includes classroom work and practical drills. There’s also a water rescue team that follows National Fire Protection Association and New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control standards.

On June 12, a paddleboarder, Gary Turkel, went missing off Atlantic Beach. Rescue Squad members assisted with the search, which included the U.S. Coast Guard, Nassau County police and other local entities. Turkel was found dead last Friday.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of our team and the way they responded to the paddleboarder situation,” Kohan said. “It was a difficult call, but Atlantic Beach Rescue really lived up to its name. I just wish the outcome were different.”

The Rescue Squad has nearly 50 active members, and is seeking to increase its membership. “We are really looking to improve our ranks with members from within the Atlantic Beach community that wish to help our neighbors,” said Assistant Chief Avi Golan, a member since 1989.

Training and responding to emergencies takes commitment, according to Robin Trott, an emergency medical technician, boat pilot and cardiopulmonary resuscitation trainer. “A new member needs to understand that they may be called at any time to respond to an alarm,” Trott said.

To join, or to learn more about the Atlantic Beach Rescue Squad, call (516) 371-2348.