Ready, set, action: divers to the rescue!

Halifax native Tye Zinck is an experienced diver who even worked on film sets for blockbuster movies. Last month, Tye and his friend Paul Budreski turned out to be the real-life heroes for three swimmers who got in trouble at Melmerby Beach in Pictou County, Nova Scotia.

Tye and Paul had spent several hours in the water harvesting shellfish and were just packing up for the day when they heard someone scream out for help. Three swimmers were fighting riptides and couldn’t get back to shore. They were still wearing their suits and also had flippers and other safety gear with them. They jumped right in and were soon joined by volunteer firefighters from Little Harbour. We’re happy to report that they successfully rescued the exhausted and hypothermic swimmers.

This past Friday, the Canadian Red Cross honoured Tye, Paul and members of the fire department for their heroic efforts by presenting them with Rescuer Awards. Here's what they had to say about the rescue.

Would you know what to do if you ever spotted swimmers in trouble at the beach? These rescuers had training in water safety and the proper  equipment on hand. Find out how you can get trained.

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