Coast Guard rescue swimmers—officially Aviation Survival Technicians (ASTs)—are called upon in the most extreme emergencies. From hurricane evacuations to open-ocean rescues, these operators ...

“The Coast Guard from Astoria responded and their expert rescue swimmer descended to the water where Leo lay injured. The swimmer was able to pick Leo up, placed him in the basket, and airlifted ...

the duty officer immediately requested helicopter support from the U.S. Coast Guard Sector and deployed a rescue boat and jet ski with four rescue swimmers, the fire department said in a statement.