Quick-Thinking, Off-Duty Firefighter Rescues Kayaker Near Beacon Waterfront

Kayaker Flips on Choppy Hudson River in Beacon, NY

It was a gorgeous spring day across the Hudson Valley on Tuesday May 5th, 2026. The temperatures peaked in the 80s and the sun was shining.

Many locals took advantage of the fantastic weather and took to doing some of their favorite outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.

Kayakers that took to the Hudson River were in for a choppy ride as the wind picked up significantly later on in the afternoon on May 5th. Unfortunately one kayaker learned just how dangerous the Hudson River could be.

According to a press release from the City of Beacon Fire Department they received a call about an overturned kayak and a kayaker in distress.

Off Duty Police Officer Jumps Into Action at Beacon's Long Dock Park

The kayaker was seen struggling off the shores of the popular Long Dock Park in Beacon, New York right next to the Beacon Metro North line.

In the press release we learn that while first responders were dispatch and heading to the are an off duty officer was jumping into action.

The press release states:

While Beacon Fire Department was en route, off duty City of Beacon Fire Lieutenant Robert Simmonds Jr. was in the area of Long Dock Park and "immediately entered the Hudson River to assist the kayaker who was in obvious distress."

Thankfully, Lieutenant Simmonds was able to get to the distressed kayaker and bring them safely towards the shore.

Distressed Kayaker Makes it Safely To Shore in Beacon

Officers from the City of Beacon Police Department helped in removing the kayaker from the river.

The press release goes on to share that the kayaker was moved to the care of EMS and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The statement concludes with the following praise for Lieutenant Simmonds:

The City of Beacon Fire Department would like to recognize the selfless actions of Lieutenant Robert Simmonds Jr., whose immediate intervention played a critical role in the successful rescue of the distressed kayaker.