Man Who Saved Drowning Victim Wants Belmar To Pay His Hospital Bill

BELMAR, NJ - A Pennsylvania man who saved a swimmer from a rip current off the Fourth Avenue beach on Sept. 23 now wants the borough to pay for his own hospital treatment after the rescue, according to a report on app.com.

Kristian Falkenstein, 39, of Newtown was on the beach playing volleyball when he left the game, plunged into the dangerous surf and helped rescue a swimmer caught in a rip current.

That week was an especially treacherous week up and down the Jersey coast, with a high rip current risk and massive waves. Belmar beaches were unguarded after Labor Day and Mayor Matthew Doherty had already banned any swimming. But many people didn't listen and 35 had to be rescued.

Falkenstein, a former lifeguard, helped save the man along with a police officer, two volunteer rescue swimmers and the Coast Guard, according to the report.

Paramedics urged him to go to the hospital to get his lungs checked because he took in water. Pneumonia or a condition known as dry drowning were a possibility.

“Every time I grabbed him, a wave came and basically crushed us,” he told app.com. “I was somersaulting all around under water. I lifted him up and three waves in a row completely pummeled us. I did get rattled pretty hard.”

Falkenstein estimates his hospital bill could top $3,000 after insurance deductibles and co-pays.

Mayor Matt Doherty said state law precludes the borough from paying.

“I pay for a season beach pass and parking and the city made a ton of money that weekend,” Falkenstein said. “And they can’t help a guy out?”

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Photo: Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty