At 16:21 on Saturday August 17, 2024 members of the Watch Hill Fire Department and Westerly Ambulance were dispatched to East Beach for reports of multiple swimmers in distress with lifeguards requesting assistance. Initial reports indicated as many as 8 swimmers and distress and upon arrival Chief Dennis Reall Jr. requested additional marine and beach assets from surrounding departments. The WHFD's Marine 101 was the first rescue boat to arrive on scene where with the help of local baoters they were able to account for all swimmers. A total of 9 individuals were transported to the dock on Bay Street where they were further assessed by EMS personnel. Today's incident clearly exemplified the importance of a well-trained response which ended in a positive outcome. Thank you to all members who responded and clearly made a difference.