My name is Jeff Batt, I am a Captain with the Jersey City Fire Department and a resident of Brick. I witness things every day and once in a while you find those selfless people that would help in any situation. That being said - I would like to recognize Liam and Sean Rea for their selfless act in a tough situation.
While vacationing with family and friends in Montego Bay, Jamaica we decided to head out of the resort to Margaritaville. An adult male was on top of an approximately 20-foot floating iceberg in Margaritaville’s inflatable water park. While standing on top of the iceberg he slipped and fell wiping out a father and his 2 sons who were climbing up the iceberg. The youngest son, a 13-year-old boy, was knocked unconscious went underwater and came up floating face down. The father, who was also struck in the head, was struggling trying to get his son upright. Liam and Sean who were on a nearby float and witnessed the event they both sprang into action. Liam immediately took control of the patient keeping his head above water. I asked Liam what he needed, and he stated he needed help swimming the patient back to the dock approximately 100 yards away, which I did. Sean Rea then came over and began controlling the patients C-spine and keeping his head above water. Approximately halfway back to the dock a couple of Jamaican life guards swam out and met us where they took over for me and assisted Sean and Liam bringing the patient back to the dock. While the patient was being swum back he started to become conscious, confused, and combative. Liam and Sean talked to the patient letting him know he was safe and calmed him down. Once at the dock they both assisted securing the patient to a backboard and lifting him the approximately 10 feet from the water to the dock. They then started assessing the patient and ensuring he was properly fitted to the head rest and back board. Both Sean and Liam showed coolness under pressure and exemplified what it means to be a lifeguard. Brick should be very proud of these two and should consider them to be awarded for their selfless acts.
