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Lantana honors ocean rescue team after shark incident; survivor thanks lifeguards
Summary
The council recognized Mark Fichtner and Lantana lifeguards after a shark-related rescue at Montana Municipal Beach on Oct. 8. The rescued surfer addressed the council and praised the response; staff noted the lifeguard agency earned a national advanced certification.
The council presented an award to Mark Fichtner, Lantana's Chief of Ocean Rescue (Public Services Department), and lifeguards for a life‑saving response at Montana Municipal Beach on Oct. 8. Staff described a call in which a surfer was put in distress when a shark was observed nearby; lifeguards on training noticed the distress and executed a coordinated rescue.
A survivor who addressed the council said the day was "very surreal" and thanked the rescuers: "I'm just really grateful that the worst was avoided, and I'm still alive," the witness said. Presenters said the department recently received United States Life Saving Association advanced certification and noted the crew's EMT and advanced training. Council and staff praised the swift, coordinated actions of the rescue team and invited the community to recognize the department's training achievements.
The presentation included photographs displayed to the meeting and a brief description of training and equipment that aided the response.
