Near Drowning of 3-year-old at Penfield Reef Sunday

A three-year-old child playing with five other children all under the age of eight at the base of , and within close proximity to onlooking parents, was swept into the water by incoming tides. Parents frantically called 911 for help, leading to the mobilization of numerous rescuers. Ultimately, the quick thinking of a nearby kayaker resulted in the child being saved, without any injury.

According to police, at around 4 p.m. Sunday, several 911 calls were received by , with regard to a child being swept into the ocean by advancing tides on the jetty leading out towards .

A Fairfield marine unit, piloted by Officers Grant Dalling and Jim Wiltsie, that was already on the water, was dispatched. Bridgeport also responded with a marine unit that had been monitoring the waters adjacent to the weekend-long Vibes concert in Seaside Park. The also dispatched a small rescue boat and diver Tony Vazpasiano was summoned. These rescuers were all on the scene within five minutes.

Fortunately, there was also a kayaker in the area, who plucked the child from the water on the west side of the reef and brought him to safety. The child did not require medical attention, though it was available.

“This was a case of a bad situation that had the potential to be extremely tragic,” said Fairfield Police Chief Gary McNamara. “The response is a great example of emergency services working together and the heroic efforts of citizens. If you’re on the water, we are all lifeguards. Simple observations can save lives. The Sound remains unpredictable and anyone that ventures out should have a full understanding of that hazard.”

Added Sgt. Sue Lussier, “There are no boundaries on the water. Marine officers back each other up all the time.”