VENTNOR – Two former members of the Ventnor City Beach Patrol will row around Absecon Island Tuesday, Aug. 20 to raise money for a good cause.
Bret Hanson and Doug Davis are mounting the around-the-island-row to raise money for the Ventnor Beach Patrol’s Alert Team. The Alert Team provides lifesaving services after regular beach hours when many drownings occur. Team members stay at the Beach Patrol Headquarters after 6 p.m. to be on standby should anyone need to be rescued.
“As alumni of the Ventnor Beach Patrol, we have witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work of our lifeguards,” Hanson said in a post on his gofundme page. “They do an incredible job keeping the public safe, and now we have the opportunity to give back.”
Ventnor formed its Alert Team two weeks after a drowning incident July 10, 2020 after lifeguards left the beach that claimed the life of Good Samaritan Jalan Xavier Alston, 18, of Brooklyn, N.Y., who went missing off Victoria Avenue as he tried to rescue two female friends.
Jalan Xavier Alston, 18, died after rescuing two female friends.Fire Chief Michael Cahill said a rip current swept Alston out beyond the breaking waves. Police officers last saw him face down in the water three blocks away. Police made an attempt to reach Alston before firefighters arrived, but treacherous water conditions rendered their attempts unsuccessful. Alston's body was recovered the next day near Albany Avenue in Atlantic City.
“A timely response is important because it can keep a rescue operation from becoming a recovery operation,” the resolution creating the team stated.
At the time the resolution was approved, Cahill said drownings often occur after hours when lifeguards leave for the day.
“People need to realize the ocean is a dangerous place,” he said, reminding bathers to only swim in the ocean when lifeguards are present.
The partners will row around Absecon Island to show their support for the Alert Team, a crucial after-hours lifesaving operation.
The rowers are hoping to raise $1,000 to support the Alert Team with equipment and resources. They have set up a GoFundMe page where supporters can donate $5, $10 or $50 toward the effort.
“Every bit helps us reach our goal and supports the lifesaving work of the Alert Team,” Hanson said. “Together, we can ensure that our beaches remain safe for everyone.”
As of noon Friday, the team had raised nearly $200 toward its goal.
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