Lifeguards, Residents Rescue Raccoon From North Shore Waters

GLEN COVE, NY — When a raccoon was found in distress along the North Shore in early August, a group of beachgoers and lifeguards didn't hesitate to help.

Liz and Mark Glaviano walk every morning at Morgan Memorial Park Beach, but one morning was unlike the rest.

Mark spotted a raccoon that had become stuck above the bay, with water splashing on the small creature.

"It just broke my heart," Liz said. "I couldn't leave that little guy. He was in distress and shaking. If he lost his grip, he would have been in the waves. He just needed us to help."

While Mark ran to notify the lifeguards and other beach workers, Liz called a wildlife rescue organization and tried to coax the raccoon to safety.

"I grabbed a branch to see if that would possibly encourage him to climb, but I don't think he was comfortable with that," she said. "He was shaking with fright. He was literally stuck there."

Mark soon returned with other rescuers, including teenage lifeguards Dylan Jenkins and Taylor, as well as another worker, José Benitez.

"They literally sprang into action," Liz said.

Benitez used a board to bring the raccoon toward safety, while 19-year-old Jenkins held an umbrella underneath in case the animal fell into the waves.

The raccoon clung to the board, shimmying across to safety.

"Thankfully, everyone pitched in, and we saved him," Liz said.

Roni Jenkins, Dylan's mother, said she is proud of her son, who has been a lifeguard at the North Shore beach for three summers.

"He's rescued people before, but this one was extra special," she said.

Roni said Dylan didn't hesitate to help the raccoon.

"To him, he was simply helping an animal that needed it."

Roni said she had seen adult raccoons swimming at the Glen Cove beach before, but this one seemed to be a baby and was struggling.

"The poor little thing was shaking and clearly exhausted and scared," she said. "I was very glad Dylan, Taylor, and José were there to get it to safety."