Politics & Government

Village Names Day for Life-Saving Teen

The Village of Rockville Centre on Monday named July 15 after a local teenager who saved the life of a Rockville Centre resident who was drowning in the waters off Atlantic Beach.

Rebecca Tolan, a Rockville Centre resident who will soon be a senior at Sacred Heart Academy, was at the beach on June 25 when she noticed Mary Dowd, a seasoned swimmer, being pulled out by a riptide towards a jetty.

Tolan, a rookie lifeguard, then “put her training and bravery to the test,” said Mayor Francis Murray, and swam to Dowd. Tolan then signaled for another lifeguard before swimming Dowd around the jetty to another beach.  

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Tolan “showed true heroism during a treacherous situation,” Murray said. “I would like to acknowledge Rebecca’s selfless and courageous life saving act.”

The village proclaimed July 15 to be “Rebecca Tolan Day.”

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