First responders from Nahant Police and Fire departments, Swampscott Police and Fire departments, Massachusetts State Police and state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) personnel worked together to rescue a kite boarder in distress off Nahant’s Long Beach Wednesday afternoon. (Photo Courtesy Nahant Police)
*Click here for drone video footage from the rescue.*
NAHANT — Police Chief Timothy Furlong and Fire Chief Austin Antrim report that the Nahant Police and Fire departments helped rescue a kite boarder in distress off Long Beach on Wednesday afternoon.
At approximately 12:27 p.m., an 11-year-old son of a kite boarder asked a bystander on shore to call 911 to report that his father seemed to be in distress in the water and appeared unable to climb back onto his board.
A coordinated multi-agency team quickly scrambled, pulling the 47-year-old East Boston man to safety.
First responders from Nahant Police and Fire departments, Swampscott Police and Fire departments, Massachusetts State Police and state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) personnel at the scene all worked together to rescue the kite boarder.
Swampscott Fire Department launched its rescue watercraft Marine 21, first reaching the man in distress. They used a lifeline to pull him to the rescue boat. Nahant Fire Department also launched its watercraft, Marine 32, retrieving the rescued kite boarder from the rescue boat and transporting him to shore.
“He had no injuries,” said Chief Antrim. “He was just exhausted after the ordeal and would not have been able to get back to shore on his own. His son really did a great job, staying calm and calling for help.”
The man was removed from the water by 12:41 p.m. Once he was brought back to shore, EMTs tended to him at the scene, but the man declined medical transport.
“His son was very calm and collected and a big part of why we were able to do our jobs so effectively,” said Nahant Police Lt. Stephen Shultz.
“We’re very grateful for Swampscott Fire Department’s quick response to the call,” said Chief Antrim. “This was a very good example of a lot of agencies working together for a great outcome.”
“When we cooperate along our coastline, we save lives,” said Chief Furlong. “Our agencies can accomplish anything if we work together. We’re all so glad this rescue had a happy ending.”
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