(WJAR) — A Warwick teenager said she was lucky to be alive after being swept away by a wave at Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett on Saturday.
Angelina Corvese and her sister Julianna were swimming together when they were apparently swept away by a large wave.
Julianna told NBC 10 that she accidentally elbowed Angelina in the temple while trying to regain control in the water.
“When I picked her up, I asked her if she was OK and she didn’t respond. Honestly, that was the most horrible thing,” Julianna said, fighting back tears.
Julianna explained that she grabbed her sister and pulled her out of the water while simultaneously calling for help.
The family told NBC 10 that it felt like it took several minutes for lifeguards to reach them.
“The lifeguard didn’t come to us until I was out of the water,” said Angelina Corvese, who was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
Angelina was placed on a ventilator in the intensive care unit until she regained consciousness and was discharged on Tuesday.
“I’m just glad I’m still here because my sister helped me. Without her, I wouldn’t be here now,” said Angelina.
The family is now calling on the state to take a closer look at the requirements for lifeguards.
“They definitely need to take more responsibility for what’s happening,” said Angelina’s older sister Veronica Butler.
A spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued a statement to NBC 10:
“On Sunday afternoon, DEM lifeguards at Scarborough North State Beach rescued a 17-year-old girl who was in need of urgent assistance after being knocked down by strong waves. She was taken by ambulance to Hasbro Children’s Hospital and DEM was told she is recovering. Our thoughts are with her and her loved ones during this difficult time.
DEM takes the safety of beachgoers seriously. All DEM lifeguards receive state certification and hold valid cards for lifeguard training, first aid and CPR, including infant, child and adult training, and must pass a certification exam. They also participate in additional safety training and drills during the season. DEM continually monitors wind and sea conditions during the beach season. At the time of the incident, red flags were flying at Scarborough North due to strong surf and currents, and waist-deep water restrictions were in place. All DEM-operated state beaches use a color flag system to inform beachgoers of sea conditions, which are updated throughout the day as water conditions change..”
State lifeguards must be at least 15 years old.
“There is just too much responsibility for a 15, 16 or 17-year-old,” said Angelina’s sister Veronica.
The family started a petition to get the state’s attention so they could once again enjoy the beach they had always gone to as a child.
