Was swimming at unguarded beach Sept. 4
STRATHMERE — A Vineland man drowned Sept. 4 while swimming at an unguarded beach near Taylor Avenue in Strathmere.
According to State Police, the 43-year-old succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
The man and another person were swimming at Taylor Avenue near the border of Upper Township and Sea Isle City, about a mile away from any guarded beach, when they began experiencing distress.
According to authorities, Ocean City police dispatch notified the Upper Township Beach Patrol (UTBP), the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) and the Upper Township Division of EMS beach medics at about 12:09 p.m. Monday that two swimmers were in need of assistance.
Upon arrival at about 12:11 p.m., first responders interviewed witnesses and determined that one of the swimmers had surfaced and been helped to shore but the other had not been located.
Lifeguards and firefighters formed a chain and searched the area with the help of others on paddleboards and personal watercraft.
Due to the large search area, additional resources were requested from the Ocean City Beach Patrol and Sea Isle City Beach Patrol , which responded with additional personnel and equipment. The U.S. Coast Guard and State Police Marine Bureau also assisted.
The patient was located and transported to the beach at about 12:30 p.m. CPR was started and the patient was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
The State Police is investigating the incident.
The victims were not identified.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff