Flags To Fly At Half-Staff To Honor Cape May Lifeguard

CAPE MAY, NJ — A Cape May lifeguard who died in a boat accident is being honored by the state, as Gov. Phil Murphy ordered U.S. and New Jersey flags to be lowered at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Friday in his memory.

Norman V. Inferrera III, 16, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, was rowing a patrol boat off Reading Avenue beach on Thursday when a wave overturned his boat and knocked him unconscious, officials said.

He was resuscitated twice by fellow lifeguards and taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden. Inferrera died from his injuries on Friday.

“Norman’s passing at such a young age is a devastating loss for his family, the Cape May community, and our state,” Murphy said. “As a lifeguard, Norman took on a special responsibility to help others and that is what he was doing when he was tragically fatally injured. We will forever be grateful to him for his selfless service to the people of Cape May. Tammy and I would like to express our sincere condolences to Norman’s family and friends during this tremendously difficult time.”

Inferrera, known as "Champ" to his family and friends, had recently completed his lifeguard training and started his first year working in Cape May.

“Champ was living a lifelong dream this summer by working as a lifeguard for the Cape May Beach Patrol. He tirelessly trained to better himself and build up his strength,” his obituary reads. “He followed a strict workout regiment, ate a proper healthy diet, and measured his calories to match his workout routines. He had a determined and disciplined spirit and constantly challenged himself to be the best he could possibly be. He enjoyed biking and fitness, and was learning to surf this summer.”

The Cape May Beach Patrol is planning to name a beach in Cape May in honor of Inferrera.

A funeral mass will be held for him at 11 a.m. on Aug. 27 at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 1260 South Trooper Rd., Norristown, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to The Cooper Foundation, supporting Cooper Medical Center, 3 Cooper Plaza, Suite 500, Camden, NJ 08103, “or to a charity of your choosing that you feel would honor Inferrera,” according to his obituary.