​In honor of April’s Drowning Prevention Awareness Month in Palm Beach County, three Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue Lifeguards were honored on Thursday, March 31, 2016, as Water Smart Palm Beach County Heroes for their efforts that led to the rescue of seven lives.

On July 7, 2015 at about 5 p.m. at Juno Beach Park, lifeguard Andrew Logan spotted a family of seven, on vacation from Connecticut, in the ocean where it was clear rip currents had formed. After it became evident the family was caught in a rip current and actively drowning, Logan began to initiate rescue, asking for backup from lifeguards Jeremy Stanley and Greg Okonski and assembling the appropriate equipment.

Using the decisiveness, teamwork and intense training that are instilled into them as lifeguards, the three men were able to swiftly pull all seven members of the family - including two children - out of the water and onto the shore in stable condition. The trio has more than 20 years of combined experience as Ocean Rescue lifeguards.

“This is why they work out every morning, day after day, week after week, year after year… they have a lifetime of dedication to this profession,” said Ocean Rescue Captain Rick Welch. Welch stated that on this particular day, the sky was overcast, the sea was choppy, there was a strong current flowing, and a number of rip currents were present. During Thursday’s Water Smart event, he stressed the importance of using extreme caution in the ocean on days like these, in order to prevent emergency situations.

The lifeguards received the awards at Thursday’s Water Smart of Palm Beach County Awards Ceremony. The event aimed to increase water safety to decrease the prevalence of accidental drowning in Palm Beach County.

Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue lifeguards are employed by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department. The department operates more than 80 regional, district, community, beach, and neighborhood parks, spanning several thousand acres. Visit www.pbcparks.com to learn about opportunities for healthy, happy living.