Swimmers rescued by off-duty lifeguards from ocean off Robert Moses State Park

Three off-duty lifeguards rescued several beachgoers on Tuesday evening from waters off Robert Moses State Park, a Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services official told Newsday.

Just before 8:30 p.m., Suffolk police and the West Islip Fire Department were called regarding multiple people stuck in the water off Field 2 at the park, the official said.

George Gorman, regional director of state parks on Long Island, told Newsday that three off-duty lifeguards were surfing in the water when they heard a commotion.

One lifeguard assisted one distressed swimmer and the two others assisted four others, Gorman said on Wednesday after speaking with one lifeguard.

Suffolk fire rescue said the West Islip Fire Department, assisted by the Babylon and Bay Shore departments and the Bay Shore ambulance, responded to the scene. 

Two of the good Samaritans work at Jones Beach State Park and one is a lifeguard at a non-state park, Gorman said.

All of the swimmers safely made it back before emergency services could act in the rescue.

They all refused medical aid at the scene, the Suffolk fire rescue official said.

The National Weather Service had warned of a moderate risk alert regarding dangerous surf conditions on Tuesday evening for all South Shore beaches. The alert warned bathers: "Life threatening rip currents are possible."

The service reported a moderate risk of life-threatening rip currents Wednesday at most Long Island beaches. Those entering the surf should check with beach patrols first, swim within sight of a lifeguard and never alone or at night.