They’re now in a different role.
Thanks to a group of skilled college athletes acting as summer lifeguards, thousands of swimmers in Long Island are able to stay safe while enjoying the water. Their crucial underwater efforts also play a part in enhancing their athletic performance.
“We rely heavily on communication and teamwork. When one of us makes a save, we all come together,” said Patrick Radomski, a lacrosse player from Siena, in a chat with the Post.
“In sports, everyone has their responsibilities. It’s about collaboration and aiming for the same goal.”
Radomski is among those working at the Oyster Bay town pool, teamed up with notable talents such as Charlotte McKelvey, a cheerleader at UW; swimmer Alison Priestley from SUNY Oswego; Tyler Burns, a lacrosse player who’s about to join the University of Massachusetts; and Cassidy Morrow, a member of the Siena women’s slow track team.
“Learning to perform under pressure is really key,” Morrow shared.
“Back at school, we practice rigorously all day to prepare for games, and it feels similar here when we drill for CPR and other scenarios, gearing up to save a life,” the sophomore player added.
to the rescue
Priestley recently had a memorable hero moment while working at a pool in Plainview.
A young boy leapt off the diving board and quickly found himself struggling for breath.
“I leaped off the stand, dove in, and moved him out of the way,” she recounted, recalling the “tense” situation. “It was so sudden and a little frightening, but fortunately, everything turned out alright.”
Being aware that her teammates were ready to assist during that urgent moment gave her some comfort, according to McKelvey—it helps everyone manage high-pressure situations better.
“It feels like a family here. We’re all friends, genuinely enjoying each other’s company. We even hang out post-shift,” she shared, reflecting on their favorite spot, Tobay Beach, which is a popular hangout for lifeguards on and off the clock.
“Our responsibilities are important, but we’ve found ways to inject fun into what we do, enjoying time with one another.”
jump head first
The five athletes also benefit from their summer roles by maintaining their fitness ahead of returning to campus in the fall.
“Whether it’s swimming or other training, this is crucial for staying in shape,” Burns noted, adding that he aims to swim at least three times weekly.
Morrow, on the other hand, ensures she logs enough time in the water each day.
“I cover around 32 laps, which is close to half a mile, so I try to get at least one lap in daily to boost my endurance,” she explained.
McKelvey also attributes her grueling swim sessions to building “a lot of endurance,” which helps her when cheering at UConn events, like the Women’s Final Four.
This summer was especially challenging with the heat, as July temperatures on the island soared above 100 degrees for several days.
“For soccer, we usually spend four or five hours outside cheering, jumping, stunting, and rolling in the heat,” she noted.
“It really prepares you for the heat,” McKelvey added. Like her teammates, she often finds herself missing the Long Island shoreline once back at school.
