From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the FDNY deploys beach Gator units at area beaches, which are staffed by EMTs trained to respond to emergencies on the beach. These units work in partnership with the FDNY Drone Unit, FDNY Fire Companies, the NYPD and New York City Parks Department lifeguards and can more easily navigate the beach and through crowds in their small, specialized vehicle. New York City’s beaches are especially crowded during the warm summer months, and Independence Day weekend 2024 was no exception. Just after 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, Station 47’s beach gator unit sprang into action when five swimmers in a closed section of the beach were caught in large swells and a rip current, slamming them into the Beach 91 jetty as they struggled to say afloat. In this episode, EMT Saverio Bosco and EMT Andrew Ochtera join us to discuss this rescue operation and what a “day at the beach” is like for members working at one the busiest beaches in the city. Captain Randy Li hosts.