Off-duty lifeguards rescue swimmers off Jersey Shore

Three swimmers were rescued from the ocean by lifeguards preparing for the Memorial Day holiday weekend in Seaside Heights.

The lifeguards were not officially on duty when the swimmers got into trouble Wednesday. They begin guarding the beaches on Friday. 

Police Capt. Rob Connor tells News 12 New Jersey a man got caught in a rip current and was dragged about 300 yards offshore before he was rescued.

JSHN contributor Kelly McNally was sitting at the Beachcomber in Seaside Heights and recorded the rescue.

Her video, posted above, shows a swimmer responding to the offshore victim, followed by a kayak. The swimmer and kayaker then helped the victim to the sandbar. 

[Mobile users, view the video here.] 

About 30 minutes later, a 12-year-old and a 13-year-old were saved after they slipped off a sandbar.

None of the rescued swimmers were injured. 

Even though temperatures have been unseasonable warm along the Jersey shore, the ocean water temperature remains cold — registering 54 degrees in Seaside Heights yesterday — which is typical during this time of year. 

“Gonna be a gorgeous weekend and people need to remember to stay safe!” McNally said.

Here’s how to spot, avoid, and escape rip currents. 

—————————————————————

The Associated Press contributed to this report.