More Swimmers Saved Off Seven Presidents Beach In Long Branch Friday

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Not only did a 13-year-old girl drown in Belmar Friday night, but multiple swimmers had to be rescued that same evening from Seven Presidents beach in Long Branch, according to the Long Branch Ocean Rescue squad.

The swimmers were rescued from the ocean at 7:25 p.m. Friday. This was approximately the same time the two teen girls in Belmar were pulled out to sea; one did not survive.

Lifeguards had gone off duty for the day at both beaches.

In Long Branch, the swimmers had become caught in a rip current, and pulled several hundred yards offshore, said the city of Long Branch. Two people on the beach entered the water to help them; one of the two Good Samaritans brought a float out to someone caught in the rip current.

But all were exhausted and had to be rescued from the ocean, said first responders with the city of Long Branch.

"Upon the first lifeguard's arrival, he found the victim was extremely lethargic, and he took the victim from the Good Samaritans and began to swim in," said Long Branch Ocean Rescue. "More lifeguards brought the victims to shore."

Multiple people required EMS services on the beach and some were taken off the beach in ambulances. One victim was ultimately transported to the hospital.

First responders in this rescue were Long Branch Ocean Rescue Asst. Chief Matt Bogner, Lt. Meghan Fitzpatrick, EMT Paige Swain, lifeguard Olivia Wheeler, and Security Supervisor Mason Alexander.

"You should never swim when lifeguards are not present," said the city of Long Branch.