File/High tide at the Longport jetty.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT Two Longport lifeguards rescued a woman Saturday, Sept. 18 when tropical storm Odette battered the coast with large swells and rip currents and the outgoing tide created dangerous conditions.
It was around noon when Lt. Tim Schwegman and Lt. Sean Duffey spotted what they believed was a surfer. When they investigated, they found a bather with no flotation device being swept out to sea near the 11th Avenue jetty.
Schwegman immediately grabbed his board and started paddling out to her while Duffey radioed for back-up and requested the jet ski respond. Duffey then grabbed his fins and rescue can and started to swim out to assist.
Due to the conditions and size of the waves, they started to lose sight of the victim and had to call out to her. By the time they reached and secured the victim, they were already halfway out into the inlet. The jet ski arrived with lifeguards Costa and Pizagno on board and brought them all back to shore.
The woman was evaluated and checked for injuries but denied any need for further medical care, according to a release from Capt. Brad Eisler.
The victim entered the ocean on an unguarded beach, Eisler said. Had they not spotted her when they did, the outcome could've been very different.
Longport Beach Patrol has provided some covered beaches since Labor Day, but will end their service this weekend. Bathers are advised to refrain from swimming in the ocean at this time of year, which is hurricane season that brings stronger waves and rip currents, which could be life-threatening.
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