TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Toms River Police Department reported that a swimmer in distress drowned off the beach in Ortley Beach, New Jersey on Wednesday.
Police said the incident happened on Wednesday around 1:55 p.m. When the Toms River Police Department and Seaside Heights Police Department received a call of a distressed swimmer in the ocean in the area of Felder Avenue in Ocean Avenue.
According to police, the Seaside Heights Beach Patrol pull the 46 year-old man for the water by jet ski.
“Seaside Heights Beach Patrol units responded to the area via jet ski and brought Matthew Mauro, 46 of Middletown, to shore, and CPR was immediately initiated,” the Toms River Police Department said in a statement today.
According to that statement, Toms River officers, Seaside Heights Beach and Fire units, Tri-Boro First Aid, TRPD CSO’s and RWJ Paramedics all assisted with resuscitation efforts on Mr. Mauro. He was transported to Community Medical Center where he was ultimately pronounced.
At the time of the drowning, lifeguards were not posted as it is currently out of season at the Jersey Shore.
The incident remains under investigation.