PETERSBURG – Upper Township Committee honored seven members of the Upper Township Beach Patrol, Aug. 14, for their efforts related to the rescue of a swimmer who was caught in a rip current, Aug. 5.
Ben Wilson was the first lifeguard to reach the victim, who had been placed on a surfboard by a nearby surfer. Wilson gave the victim the rescue can and locked his arms underneath the victim’s arms to prevent the victim from falling underwater.
Lifeguard Lorna Connell arrived with a jet ski and they were able to position the victim on a sled. Lifeguard Jack O’Hara then secured himself on top of the victim and the personal watercraft made its way to shore where Upper Township Beach Patrol Medic Wally Welliver, Capt. Joseph O’Neill, and Lt. Grace Steele were waiting.
The victim was carried out of the water, exhausted, and Welliver requested an ambulance to transport him to the hospital.
Contact the author, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
