Firefighters, lifeguards rescue 2 swimmers clinging to boogie board

Wildwood firefighters and lifeguards rescued two swimmers who were in distress “well beyond the breakers” of an unguarded beach on Saturday, authorities say.

Police were alerted to the distressed swimmers off the Youngs Avenue beach shortly after 3 p.m., according to a Wildwood Fire Department release. Officers arrived and were followed by Wildwood firefighters Nick Palmer and Tina Sacco, who quickly entered the water with rescue cans.

The firefighters were then joined by fire department Chief Daniel Speigel on a rescue board. The Wildwood Beach Patrol’s A.L.E.R.T. Team, comprised of Capt. Ed Schneider and Lt. Steve McGuinn, paddled to the distressed swimmers also on rescue boards.

Palmer and Sacco reached the swimmers, who were then placed on the rescue boards and brought safely back to shore at 3:25 p.m. The victims were treated by emergency medical personnel, and a 27-year-old woman was transported to Cape Regional Medical Center for treatment by the North Wildwood Fire Department. 

Authorities did not disclose the extent of her injuries. 

In recent days ocean conditions at the Jersey Shore have been treacherous due to the arrival of long period swells from Hurricane Jose. The National Weather Service has been advising of life-threatening conditions for anyone entering the ocean.