Vacationing NJ Trooper Saves Drowning Woman In NC

NORTH CAROLINA — A New Jersey State Police trooper was called into duty on his vacation this weekend, when he helped save a woman from drowning off the North Carolina shore, New Jersey State Police said.

Trooper Craig Kempinski was on vacation with his family in North Carolina this Saturday when his wife told him a swimmer was caught in a riptide about 200 yards offshore.

Kempinski jumped into action, grabbing a boogie board to help navigate the rough waters while swimming out to the woman. The woman was tired and struggling to keep her head above the water, so when he reached her, Kempinski passed the boogie board off to her. With help from a nearby paddle boarder, the woman was safely taken back to shore.

No one was injured in the rescue effort, State Police said.

"Tpr. Kempinski's quick actions undoubtedly helped prevent a tragedy!" police said.

Image via NJSP