by Dave Carlin
NEW YORK (CBS) ― It was a race against time for firefighters off of Coney Island on Saturday afternoon, as they tried to save three people trapped by rising waters on the rocks near Surf Avenue and West 16th Street.
For Coney Island Ladder One-61, it was show and tell night as people from neighboring communities praised the daring men for their rescue efforts. On display were the water rescue tools used by the firefighters to save three young people from pounding surf and certain death as they huddled at the far end of large rocks cut off from the beach by rising water.
The Fire Department says three firefighters waded and swam 60 to 75 feet from shore Saturday evening to get to the three, all about 16 to 20 years old.
"One of the girls had gotten knocked off the rocks numerous times. She had contusions and cuts and scrapes all over her body," said FDNY Lt. Anthony Smaldone.
Saving the injured victim became the priority. Firefighter Rob Scheer wasted no time running into surf.
"It was cold and I was getting out there as fast as I could to get to her," said Scheer.
Scheer was joined by his colleagues Thomas Dolan, Carmine Pecoraro and Michael Manza. Witnesses tell CBS 2 it was quite a scene; helicoptersflew overhead, police officers stood on call.
Witness Michael Palladino couldn't help but notice the rough wind and water conditions at the time.
"I was coming back with the bike I was having a hard time pedalling it. The wind had to be blowing stiff which made that water really move," said Palladino.
The three young swimmers were patched up at Coney Island Hospital. There were lots of cuts and bruises, but hospital officials say otherwise the victims are fine.
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