The FDNY is urging New Yorkers to proceed with caution when swimming in the ocean, especially when beaches are unprotected or lifeguards are off duty.  

News 12 spent the day with members of the fire department’s Surf Rescue Company Ladder 161 to learn what it looks like when they have to make a rescue. 

“Every unit in the fire department has water rescue training,” said Capt. Mike Romano, head of water rescue for the FDNY. “These companies have training and equipment very similar to lifeguards, and we often have to rescue people in the water.” 

The FDNY says they’re prepared to perform water rescues year-round, but that the peak time they receive those calls is when beaches are unmanned.  

Firefighter Stephen Urso has performed nine water rescues since joining the FDNY and says that it is truly a team effort.  

“It may seem like it’s one person grabbing the victim, but there’s EMS, dispatchers, everyone,” said Urso.