This article was updated on Jan. 7 at 1:10 p.m.
The Rye Police Marine Unit rescued a paddle boarder who was separated from his friend and board while on the Long Island Sound near Rye on Friday, after he was carried by the current down toward Mamaroneck.
A caller dialed 911 on Dec. 20 to report he was paddle boarding with a male friend, when they became separated from each other. He told authorities he had last seen his friend being swept up by the current toward Larchmont Harbor around 2:30 p.m., according to Rye police.
At the time, the average water temperature of the Long Island Sound near Rye was 44.8 degrees Fahrenheit, and the air temperature outside averaged a frigid 35 degrees. Cold shock, which can result in dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, can begin to occur at a water temperature of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service.
Multiple patrol units were sent to shoreline locations along the Sound Shore to search for the victim — a 49-year-old Rye resident whose name police would not disclose — and get more information from the distressed caller. Rye’s Marine Unit conducted a boat search and ultimately located the victim on shore at Seven Oaks Lane in Mamaroneck, almost a land mile on foot from where they were last seen together.
The victim was found on shore about 15 minutes after his friend made the call, according to police.
Patrol units and EMS confirmed the man was unharmed.
