Cop rescues boy screaming for help in ocean

An Atlantic City police officer rescued a 10-year-old boy off a city beach shortly before sunset last Thursday.

Police were dispatched to the South Carolina Avenue beach on a report of a swimmer screaming for help shortly after 8 p.m., according to an Atlantic City Police Department news release.

The Philadelphia boy had his foot stuck in a wood groin, a beach erosion control device, and could not free himself, authorities say.

He was trapped in chest-high water, and waves were continually crashing over his head, police added.

That’s when Officer Darrell Catanio, a former member of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, entered the water and yanked the boy’s foot from the wood.

Catanio then carried the boy to the beach patrol tent, where they were met by emergency medical technicians.

The boy was treated on scene for an injury to his lower leg, and Catanio was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and released for an injury sustained during the rescue, according to police.

“With the summer season in full swing, we need our residents and visitors to be mindful when enjoying the beach and ocean. Do not go into the water if the beach is not protected by a member of our beach patrol,” the release said.

“This is not only for the safety of the swimmer but for someone that may need to rescue them.”