Heroes of the Week: Old Orchard Beach Surf Rescue Saved Many swimmers

Atlantic Ocean waters off the Maine coast were still quite cold in mid-June, and people didn't heed the warnings. On June 17, 2024, the warmest ocean temperature in Maine on June 17 was 59.2°F (in Kennebunkport), and the coldest sea temperature is 47.5°F (Cutler). (For Current Maine Ocean temperatures, visit/click SeaTemperatureInfo). Here's the story about this week's Heroes. 

(Photo: Old Orchard beach rescue SOURCE: Old Orchard Beach Surf Rescue)

Many swimmers rescued from Maine waters Weekend of June 15-16, 2024

Officials are reminding people that the water, especially in the ocean, is still very cold

WMTW- TV Jun 17, 2024, Adam Bartow

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine — Temperatures are expected to soar to dangerous levels this week with a heat wave expected across many communities in Maine. That will send many people running for the beaches, but you need to remember that the water is still cold. Ocean water at Maine beaches is only about 60 degrees.

On Sunday, June 16, nearly a dozen people had to be rescued from or helped out of the water at Old Orchard Beach.

(Photo Credit: Old Orchard Beach Surf Rescue) 

Old Orchard Beach Surf Rescue said they had five separate rescue calls with a total of 11 people saved. There were so many calls that crews from neighboring towns had to help.

Surf Rescue said people need to know that, this early in the season, they have very few lifeguards on duty and no towers yet on the beaches. They said people need to use caution and know their limits when going into the water.