8 People Saved From Rip Currents Off Spring Lake Tuesday

SPRING LAKE, NJ — Eight people had to be rescued from rip currents Tuesday afternoon at Spring Lake, police in that town said.

The first call for swimmers in distress came in at 2:48 p.m. Tuesday at the Sussex Avenue Beach, said Spring Lake Police in a press release. Officers responded and found five people in the water struggling to get back to shore.

Patrolmen Joseph Liddy and James Heine, along with Chief Edward Kerr, entered the water to reach the swimmers. Four swimmers were quickly brought back to safety, while the remaining one was eventually rescued after several minutes of the officers fighting the rip current.

A retired law enforcement officer, Spring Lake Heights Police Patrolman Matthew Bogdan, and an off-duty lifeguard, also helped pull the swimmers to safety.

A short time later, at 4:20 p.m., Spring Lake Police received another call for swimmers in distress, this time at the Passaic Avenue Beach. Officers responded and located three victims in the water, out past the jetty. Patrolman Joseph Liddy, along with Sergeants Sean Duggan and Christopher Kucinski entered the water to reach the swimmers. All three were eventually brought back to shore against a strong rip current, also with the assistance of a good Samaritan surfer and off-duty lifeguard.

The three victims were treated by the Spring Lake First Aid Squad and one was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for further treatment.

Watch this drone video taken by Michael Clancy that captured the entire rescue Tuesday.

Said Spring Lake Police: "Today’s outcome would have been tragic without the actions of these first responders. It is extremely dangerous to swim in unprotected waters, especially with the rough conditions we are currently experiencing. Please stay out of the ocean unless you are a strong swimmer."