Lantana Marine Safety Supervisor Marc Fichtner gave awards to (l-r) senior ocean lifeguard Sam Janssen and lifeguards Jasper Castaldo and Catherine Girard for their rescues of two swimmers. Photo provided
Related: Manalapan: Attempts fail to revive woman pulled out into the ocean
Lifeguards lauded — Three Lantana lifeguards were given lifesaving awards for their efforts to rescue two swimmers during a strong rip current on May 5. Awards were presented at the June 10 Town Council meeting by Marine Safety Supervisor Marc Fichtner to Sam Janssen, Jasper Castaldo and Catherine Girard.
The rescues began after Girard observed a swimmer caught in the current. She swam out to assist the distressed swimmer and Castaldo went out to help another struggling swimmer farther offshore. Janssen saw that Castaldo needed help with the second victim and went in to help him.
County firefighter/paramedics arrived and both victims were checked and determined to be OK.
“Thanks to the lifeguard team remaining calm and professional throughout the ordeal, an almost certain loss of life event was avoided,” Fichtner said.
Speed bumps to stay — After studies that showed the speed cushions on West Pine Street and on West Ocean Avenue have proved effective, the Town Council voted to make the traffic calming measures permanent. The speed bumps were installed in October 2022 and residents said they have been helpful in slowing drivers.
— Mary Thurwachter
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