Rochester Students Honored for Lake Ontario Rescue
Three local students received recognition for saving a nine-year-old girl from freezing water in February 2026.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Emergency Response
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During February 2026, three students heroically rescued a nine-year-old girl who had fallen through the ice at Hamlin Beach State Park. The Rochester Police Department later honored the group for their life-saving actions during the break.
Why it matters
The students' quick response prevented a potential tragedy when the girl fell into the water at Lake Ontario. Their bravery highlights the importance of situational awareness in local recreational areas during winter months.
The rescue involved three ninth graders saving a nine-year-old victim from the waters of Lake Ontario. The incident occurred at Hamlin Beach State Park during the February 2026 school break.
The players
Rochester Police Department
This local agency serves the Rochester area and administers the Do the Right Thing awards program.
Josiah Kelly
He is one of the three ninth-grade students recognized for his role in the rescue.
Matthew Kelly
He is one of the three ninth-grade students recognized for his role in the rescue.
Jeremiah Currier
He is one of the three ninth-grade students recognized for his role in the rescue.
The details
After spotting the child on the ice at the state park, Josiah Kelly, Matthew Kelly, and Jeremiah Currier successfully pulled her to shore before she could succumb to the freezing water. The Rochester Police Department subsequently recognized the students through the Do the Right Thing awards program.
Timeline
The Rochester Police Department established the awards program in 1995.
The rescue occurred at Hamlin Beach State Park in February 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
This incident aligns with the Do the Right Thing awards program, which has recognized community service and bravery by local youth since its 1995 inception. The rescue underscores the recurring safety risks associated with frozen bodies of water like Lake Ontario.
Residents should exercise extreme caution near ice-covered bodies of water like Lake Ontario during winter months. Always report potential hazards or people in distress to local authorities immediately by contacting the police.
The takeaway
Quick action by bystanders can mean the difference between life and death during winter emergencies on public lands. Recognizing these acts of bravery helps foster a culture of community safety and responsibility among local youth.
Further reading
Learn more about local public safety initiatives in the Rochester Emergency Response section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHEC.
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