The Laurelton Fire Company boat, as well as a Sea Tow boat, in the ocean off Brick Beach 1 following a rescue Sunday. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Brick Township firefighters rescued two paddle boarders who became tired fighting the current in the ocean off Brick Beach II Sunday afternoon.
A mother and daughter were paddle boarding in the ocean when the young daughter became tired, said Kevin Batzel, director of the Brick Township Bureau of Fire Safety.
“They were in distress, and they couldn’t get in,” said Batzel. “One of the women had a cell phone and was able to call for help.”
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Brick Fire District 1, the Laurelton Fire Company and the Ocean Beach Fire Company all responded, Batzel said, as well as Brick police and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Firefighters from Fire District 1 – which consists of the Pioneer Hose and Breton Woods fire companies, launched a Zodiac inflatable boat and were able to reach the two women, load them into the boat and bring them safely back to shore at Brick Beach I, Batzel said. Firefighters towed the paddle boards back to shore as well.
The rescue was performed under the command of Assistant Chief Joe Licandro of Pioneer Hose, Batzel said.
The mother and daughter did not appear to be injured, but were checked out by EMTs when they got back to shore. Brick Volunteer EMS and Lavallette Volunteer EMS were both at the scene.
“The ocean is pretty dangerous this time of year,” said Batzel, warning that currents were still strong after storms earlier this week. “It’s still pretty churned up. Residents should use extra caution.”
Brick fire apparatus in the Brick Beach 1 parking lot following a water rescue. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
