Founded in 2018, the mission of Southampton Village Ocean Rescue (SVOR) is to respond to emergencies in the ocean and bay, throughout the Village of Southampton, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
SVOR is a volunteer organization, dedicated to making expeditious and safe water rescues year-round at all unprotected beaches in and around Southampton Village. Every month SVOR trains in different locations, coordinating with numerous emergency agencies, to be prepared for any aquatic emergency. SVOR rescuers are ocean lifeguard- and CPR-certified.
SVOR recognizes that preventative lifeguarding is a key component to saving lives. Members actively promote water safety and education. SVOR initiated the Lifeguard Training program for anyone 16 years or older, as well as the Junior Lifeguard Training program, for those ages 11 to 14 and the programs will be expanded in the future. SVOR trains lifeguards year-round, and provides ocean lifeguard courses for certification during high season. SVOR runs a Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Certification Program at Suffolk Community College Pool in the off-season. The officers organize community Adult Swim lessons, overseen by SVOR volunteers, which run alongside all ocean rescue lifeguard programs. Educational information about rip currents is distributed during Beach Safety Week and at various events throughout the summer. Pre-season water safety programs for caregivers will be offered by SVOR. Notably, SVOR is responsible for the installation of rip current signs at all Southampton Village ocean beach access points and continuously works toward the ultimate goal of waterproofing Southampton.
In addition, members safeguard swimmers in charitable events that involve open water, as well as other water-related functions in Southampton.
