Asbury Park, NJ – A fast-moving emergency off the shoreline in Asbury Park turned into a dramatic water rescue Saturday morning after an Asbury Park Police Department officer entered the ocean to save a juvenile struggling in rough surf near the Fourth Avenue jetty.
The incident began at approximately 6:18 a.m. when officers responded to the area of Convention Hall for a quality-of-life complaint involving an estimated 200 people gathered on the beach. Less than 10 minutes later, dispatchers alerted officers that juvenile swimmers were in distress in the water off Fourth Avenue Beach.
Officer enters ocean to reach swimmer
Police Officer John Vail #312 and Police Officer Herline Valcin #275, who were already in the area handling the earlier call, immediately ran toward the shoreline after learning of the emergency.
Officers were then advised there were two swimmers in distress. According to the Asbury Park PBA Local #6, “PO Vail made the courageous decision to enter the ocean.”
Vail first reached one juvenile, who was able to return safely to shore under his own power. He then continued swimming through head-high surf toward a second juvenile near the Fourth Avenue jetty, where conditions remained dangerous.
After reaching the child, Vail secured the juvenile and brought the swimmer safely back toward shore with assistance from members of the Asbury Park Fire Department, who also entered the water to assist in the rescue.
Juvenile taken to hospital in stable condition
Once on shore, the juvenile was turned over to fire department EMS personnel, who immediately began medical care before transporting the child to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for further treatment.
Authorities later confirmed that the juvenile is in stable condition.
The Asbury Park PBA Local #6 praised Vail’s actions, stating, “His willingness to place himself in harm’s way to save another person’s life is a true reflection of the courage, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by the men and women of the Asbury Park Police Department every day.”
The union also recognized the efforts of Officers Herline Valcin and the responding firefighters and EMS personnel, saying, “We would also like to commend Charlie Squad Officers, the Asbury Park Fire Department and EMS personnel for their teamwork and rapid response during this critical incident.”
Why it matters
Quick action by first responders prevented what could have become a tragic drowning during the busy summer beach season. The rescue highlights the coordinated response between the Asbury Park Police Department, firefighters, and EMS personnel during water emergencies along the city’s coastline.
Sources: Asbury Park PBA Local #6 statement.
