East Hampton Volunteer Ocean Rescue Holding Annual “Red Devil Swim” Benefit

“On Saturday, August 19th, 2017, members of East Hampton Volunteer Ocean Rescue (EHVOR) will be hosting our annual Red Devil Swim,” shared Helene Forst, Lieutenant Squad 8.

Taking place at Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett, participants may choose from a 1 mile, 1/2 mile and 1/4 mile course.

All proceeds from the Red Devil Swim will support EHVOR’s essential services. “All members, other than the members in Auxiliary Squad 8, are volunteer Suffolk County certified ocean lifeguards who respond year-round to all water related emergencies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year since 2003,” noted Forst. “Our organization is the only one of its kind.”

East Hampton Volunteer Ocean Rescue was established in the spring of 2003 by a group of local, ocean certified lifeguards. “We safeguard thousands of swimmers each year in Open Water Swims and Triathlons in the Town of East Hampton,” she explained.

To be readily prepared for any water related situation, the organization offers several outreach programs. “Our mission is to make expedient and safe water rescues year-round at all unprotected beaches in East Hampton Town. Each month, we train in different locations coordinating with multiple emergency agencies, to be prepared for any water emergency from Wainscott to Montauk,” noted Forst. “Our members promote water safety and education by assisting Hampton Lifeguard Association (HLA) in drown-proofing the East End.”

EHVOR also focuses on local youth, ensuring that the next generation is well educated about water safety. “EHVOR members assist with training and testing all lifeguards on the East End. We also train junior lifeguards, ages ranging from 9 to 14 years of age,” she said. “We run educational press releases for Beach Safety Week on the dangers of rip currents and have installed Rip Current signs at all the Town’s ocean beach access points.”

The 1 mile course will start at 5 p.m., the 1/2 mile course will start at 5:20 p.m., and the 1/4 mile course will start at 5:40 p.m.

“Please join us and help make this a memorable summer event by cheering the swimmers on and supporting EHVOR and all that we do,” Forst added. “The first swimmer in each distance course will receive a really cool beach towel!”

The Red Devil Swim registration fee ranges from $30 to $60.

Atlantic Avenue Beach is located at 169 Atlantic Avenue in Amagansett. For more information, visit www.easthamptonoceanrescue.org.