Milford Fire Rescues 8 Children, 2 Adults Between Silver Sands and Charles Island: BREAKING

MILFORD, CT - The Milford Fire Department rescued two adults and eight children who misjudged the tide between Silver Sands State Park and Charles Island Monday afternoon.

When fire crews arrived via a fire boat and jet skis the children and adults could barely keep their heads above water, a fire official said.

Because of the department's quick response no injuries were reported.

Battalion Chief Anthony Fabrizi said at 1:10 p.m. Milford's 911 dispatch center received a call from a bystander reporting 10 people that were being overcome by a rising tide. The incident occurred in the waters of Long Island Sound between Silver Sands State Park and Charles Island.

The group, consisting of 2 adults and 8 children from Glastonbury, had walked out to Charles Island on a sandbar that becomes visible during low tide, Fabrizi said. Having misjudged the tide, the group quickly became overcome while attempting their return to shore, the fire official said.

Milford firefighters quickly responded to the area with 3 Marine Units including a Jet Ski that is specially equipped for water rescue, Fabrizi said. Upon arrival at the scene, fire personnel found all of the children in distress and barely able to maintain their heads above the water, according to a news release.

The firefighters quickly rescued the two youngest children and returned them to shore on the specialized Jet Ski, Fabrizi said. Milford Fire's Marine 1 and 2 units were next to quickly arrive and take the remaining victims to shore where they were evaluated, the news release state. No injuries were reported.

Fire personnel from Quint 3 and Engine 4 have received specialized training in the operation of the Jet Ski for such types of water rescue, officials said. The unit has proven to be a valuable addition to the Milford Fire Department Marine fleet, Fabrizi said.

"With the summer season in full swing, it is important to remind all residents and visitors of the City of Milford to obey the posted warning signs along the shoreline," Fabrizi said in a statement.