Deer Rescued from Ocean in Long Branch

LONG BRANCH, NJ – COVID-19 is affecting humans in a wacky way, but this year, something new is happening up and down the Jersey Shore.  Deer are have been caught on several occasions taking a trip down the Jersey Shore to soak and play in the ocean.  This weekend, one deer got itself into a bit of trouble and got stuck in the ocean off the coast of Long Branch.

The deer was first spotted in the water near Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, according to the Long Branch Police Department and  thanks to a tremendous team effort, he came ashore safely at

“The coordinated effort to save this poor guy involved the help of many, including Class 1 Officers Devon Slavin and Charles Barreda, Animal Control Supervisor, Deb Nagel, Beach Supervisor, Stan Dzuiba, LB Beach Rescue members Brian Gleason and Sam MacPherson on jet-skis and 7 Presidents’ Lifeguards Chester English and Kate Crilly on paddleboards,” the department said. “We are happy to report that the deer survived his swim unharmed. This is a perfect example of how lucky we ALL are to have such a wonderful and dedicated team of employees working together across all departments here in Long Branch and a great reminder to only swim when a lifeguard is present.”

Photos courtesy of Chris DeMaio, Principal Park Ranger, Seven Presidents.