from MD Department of Natural Resources
Last week, four Rocky Gap State Park lifeguards stepped up and helped a family in a dangerous situation—even though it was far from the beaches they usually keep watch over.
After a pickup truck overturned off of Interstate 68, lifeguard Sofia Ottaviani immediately called 911 for help. Lifeguard Samantha Preaskorn immediately pulled over to provide assistance, followed by lifeguards Adri Meadors and Marissa Adams. They approached the truck, which had flipped onto its side, and discovered a family of six who had been enjoying their afternoon swimming at the park.
Acting fast, the lifeguards broke the windows, cut the seatbelts, and safely pulled out the four children, aged 1 to 11. The kids were in bathing suits from their time at the park, and the lifeguards gave them towels and brought them to Marissa's car to keep them warm. While they assisted the parents, the lifeguards worked together to comfort the children. The lifeguards eventually managed to remove the windshield and successfully helped the father out of the vehicle. Emergency Medical Services then arrived at the scene and were able to safely remove the mother from the vehicle as well.
Rocky Gap and Department of Natural Resources staff are proud of the work of Marissa, Sofia, Samantha and Adri, (pictured) who demonstrated the quick thinking and bravery that makes lifeguards so important, both on and off the water.
#DNRheroes