A lady and her son-in-law launched a small catamaran into Lake Ontario at Hamlin Beach in rather rough water and soon flipped the boat over putting both into approximately 56 degree water. The boat and victims were soon drifting eastward away from the park.

Two lifeguards from the park began pursuit in the lake with a rescue board and a rescue kayak while other lifeguards pursued the victims on shore. The Hamlin Fire Department responded with Squad 2418, Rescue 248 and Engine 243, Morton responded with Rescue 218, Hamlin Volunteer Ambulance responded with two ambulances, Monroe responded with an ALS Team and a Border Patrol Helicopter responded in place of a Coast Guard unit.

Hamlin Chief 2C14 assumed command at the Hamlin Beach boat launch with 2418 and assigned 2C24 to establish an east sector with 248 and 243 at the end of Newco Drive, toward which the victims were drifting. Both sector firefighters donned water rescue gear and proceeded toward the drifting boat from the two directions. The lifeguards reached the disabled boat and using their rescue crafts brought the victims to the shoreline. The male victim was brought to the park sector where park public safety officers, lifeguards and firefighters brought the victim onto shore. The female victim was brought on shore by other lifeguards and firefighters at the east sector.
The male victim was very weak and cold and was evaluated and transported to hospital. The female victim was in better condition and was escorted back to the park on shore, provided patient care and released with a sign-off. The medical condition of several of the lifeguards was evaluated and all released with no complications. One lifeguard was given a firefighter’s wet suit to warm-up after being in the water for an extended period.
All agencies were pleased with the success of the operation and the cooperation of all involved parties. The incident was closed out a little over an hour from the initial alarm.

Photos coming soon:

Story by Jerry Clement