Calm, Cool and Collected

Name: Keith Racioppo
School: Binghampton University '12
Accomplishment: Saving a 16-month-old boy
Key to Awesomeness: Stealth composure 

Binghamton University senior and Tonetta Beach lifeguard Keith Racioppo already had made two saves on June 5th before hearing a woman cry out for help.

"It was a busy day," Racioppo said. "And then I heard 'Oh my god, someone help my baby.'"

It was then that the former Brewster High School student felt his professional training kick into high gear. Racioppo jumped over a deck railing to assess a situation that had most beach-goers frightened.

At first the boy was limp and unresponsive. Racioppo realized the 16-month-old toddler had stopped breathing and began to issue a series of back blows and chest thrusts in case his airway was obstructed. 

"His mother told me that she had given him a french fry a few minutes earlier," Racioppo. "It was the first time I've had to do my professional training like that."

Southeast Recreation Department Leader Patricia Bohrman said that though the young boy began to turn blue, Racioppo maintained his composure.

"He was calm, cool and collected," Bohrman said. "It was truly amazing."

After a few nerve-racking moments, Racioppo said the boy finally tensed up and regained conciousness. A fellow lifeguard called 911, and paramedics were on the way to pick up where the young hero had left off.

"[The boy] was frightened because of the circle of people around him," Racioppo said. "We later found out that he suffered a heat-induced seizure."

Bohrman praised her lifeguard for his 7-year committment to Tonetta Beach and his ability to keep cool under pressure.

"It was an amazing day," Bohrman said.