Skip to main content

East Hampton's Cinque Named State Lifeguard of Year

Tue, 07/30/2024 - 11:13
John Ryan Jr., East Hampton Town's chief lifeguard, with Christopher Cinque and his award
East Hampton Town

Christopher Cinque, the chief lifeguard for East Hampton Town's Montauk district, has been named the New York State Lifeguard of the Year. 

"This recognition reflects the collective effort of our entire lifeguard team in East Hampton," Mr. Cinque said in a release from the town. 

He was chosen from among lifeguards at agencies across New York by Smith Point Ocean Rescue, which each year recognizes one of its own along with an exemplary guard outside of its agency who has made "outstanding contributions to the field of lifeguarding" and shown "dedication to ensuring the safety of our community," according to the town.

"His dedication and leadership are truly inspiring, and we are grateful for his service in keeping our beaches safe," Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said in the release announcing the award. "His example is truly reflective of our Town of East Hampton lifeguards and their unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our community." 

Town Councilman David Lys said that he "has truly set a standard for excellence in lifeguarding."

Mr. Cinque, who now oversees 65 lifeguards, has been an East Hampton Town Marine Patrol officer since 2022. A lifelong resident of the town, he was first certified as a surf lifeguard in 2009, promoted to lieutenant of Indian Wells Beach in Amagansett in 2014, and became captain in 2015. He was named East Hampton Town Outstanding Lifeguard of the Year in 2016, was promoted to second assistant chief the following year, and has been the Montauk district chief since 2022. 

Mr. Cinque was "commended for his response and recovery efforts during two plane crashes in 2018, showcasing his ability to handle emergencies with composure and professionalism," the town said, and in 2019 was named the East Hampton Volunteer Ocean Rescue Member of the Year.

John Ryan Jr., chief of town's lifeguards, praised his "calm yet commanding demeanor that not only reassures those he supervises but also creates a strong rapport with them," adding in the release that "his zero-drowning record speaks volumes about his vigilance and effectiveness."

On the Police Logs 10.17.24

Police went to CVS Sunday night in East Hampton after a shopper claimed to have found no one available to help and requested a “well-being check of the employees.” There was at least one employee there when officers arrived. He said he’d been “in the back, working.”

Oct 17, 2024

A Death at Sagaponack Beach

A Swiss man was pronounced dead at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital after going missing in the water near Gibson Lane Beach in Sagaponack on Oct. 4 around 3:30 p.m.

Oct 15, 2024

Biscuit the Dog Takes a Trip

A Yorkshire terrier inadvertently rode a westbound bus from the Bridgehampton train station to Babylon on Sunday afternoon without its family, prompting an unusual “lost dog” search that spanned multiple police agencies.

Oct 10, 2024

Drivers With Prior Arrests

Police made two felony drunken-driving arrests on town roads in the last 10 days.

Oct 10, 2024

 

Your support for The East Hampton Star helps us deliver the news, arts, and community information you need. Whether you are an online subscriber, get the paper in the mail, delivered to your door in Manhattan, or are just passing through, every reader counts. We value you for being part of The Star family.

Your subscription to The Star does more than get you great arts, news, sports, and outdoors stories. It makes everything we do possible.