Female Coast Guard Recognized for Saving 2 Drowning Men Near Fire Island Lighthouse

Victoria Vanderhaden has become the second female Coast Guard to receive a Silver Lifesaving Medal after her heroic efforts saving two men from drowning off the coast of Fire Island in 2018.

Vanderhaden was off duty at the time, walking along the boardwalk near the Fire Island Lighthouse on July 24, 2018. She noticed two men yelling for help in 4-6 feet waves and 30mph winds, then jumped in the water to save them from drowning. At the time she was a Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class.

“Once I realized how much danger they were in, I knew I had to act fast,” Vanderhaden said in a news release at the time. “My training as a lifeguard and my knowledge as a Coast Guard member prepared me for instances just like this.”

She asked a bystander to call 911 and jumped in to help the men stay afloat while they avoided a rip current. One of the men had already drifted 50 yards offshore by the time she jumped in.

Victoria is the daughter of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason Vanderhaden. She received the medal, awarded to those who risk their own lives to rescue others, in front of her parents and an intimate group of shipmates.

The Silver Lifesaving Medal was established in 1874.

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