Mother, daughter rescued from rip current off Mantoloking

     Rough surf at the Downer Avenue beach in Mantoloking Monday afternoon. (Photo: Jerry Meaney/ Barnegat Bay Island, NJ on Facebook)

    Rough surf at the Downer Avenue beach in Mantoloking Monday afternoon. (Photo: Jerry Meaney/ Barnegat Bay Island, NJ on Facebook)

    A mother and daughter were rescued from a rip current off Mantoloking thanks to the combined efforts of Good Samartians and lifeguards Monday, a first aid official said. 

    Around noon, an 8-year-old girl was swimming and became distressed, according to Point Pleasant First Aid and Emergency Squad Captain Jerry Meaney, who also operates the popular Barnegat Bay Island, NJ Facebook page.

    The child’s mother, who was nearby, attempted to rescue the girl but then also became caught in a rip current, Meaney said.

    “Several swimmers and lifeguards responded and helped them out but not before they were terrified,” he said. “Family said it was just a matter of seconds as the wave pulled him away.” 

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    First aiders evaluated both victims on the beach following the successful rescue. 

    “We are always concerned about dry drowning so we check thoroughly and we try to convince patients to go to the hospital,” Meaney said. “But they refused transport.” 

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