Close call: Rescuers describe brave save off Kings Park Bluff waters

Every second counted as emergency personnel arrived on scene to find the man holding onto a buoy.

News 12 Staff

Oct 24, 2021, 9:57 PM

Updated 1,146 days ago

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Security video caught the dramatic scene Friday evening of a man in distress in the Nissequogue River off Kings Park and his rescue.
Greg Thompson was fishing with his son and saw the man fall off a dock at the Kings Park bluff boat ramp. He says the man was quickly pulled out to sea despite several fisherman trying to help.
“The tide was much too fast…he was getting swept out much too quickly,” said Thompson.
The Smithtown Bay constable then responded to 911 calls. The water temperature was around 65 degrees and the man was in the water for about 20 minutes. Every second counted as emergency personnel arrived on scene to find the man holding onto a buoy.
Rescuers say if it wasn't for the quick action of the 911 callers and the emergency response on the scene, the result of the rescue may have been much different.
“He had been taking on so much sea water,” says Smithtown Bay Constable Michael Grayson. “He was spitting it up, he was throwing it up – he was in a lot of danger.”
Officials say the 45-year-old man was taken to shore and to Stony Brook University Hospital where he is recovering.
Officials say the water can be treacherous around the Kings Park Bluff boat dock especially when the tide is changing. It can easily sweep small boats or kayakers out into the sound if people are not careful.