VIDEO: The FDNY Water Rescue Unit took part in a real-life training exercise to rescue distressed swimmers on Staten Island on Thursday. Eyewitness News got an exclusive look at the training. “I have a history – background in life guarding. I did that for 7 summers on the beach. To be able to use those skills as a firefighter is tremendous,” said Terence Moriarty. Moriarty is in the FDNY’s Surf Rescue Unit. “Over here on Staten Island, we have a short section of beach, but there is a long section of shoreline people actually use that are not protected by lifeguards,” Captain Victor Milukas said. Lifeguards cover a lot of ground but what happens when they go home and someone needs to be rescued? 22 fire companies across the city are designated for surf rescue. Captain Milukas said accidents happen a lot more often.
