Brigantine City Beach Patrol members rescued a woman and her two children Wednesday morning before lifeguards were on duty.
Police and firefighters were called just before 9:30 a.m. for a swimmer in distress, police said.
The two young children were in the ocean when they became overpowered by the current, a witness told police. The 28-year-old mother then ran in to rescue them.
She too then became distressed and disappeared into the water, the witness who then called 911 told police.
The children were rescued. Brigantine police, fire and rescue and beach patrol rendered life-saving aid to the mother.
She was then taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
The children were evaluated and released to family, police said.
“Because of the mother’s selfless actions and the witness immediately seeking help, the children were able to be rescued by Brigantine Beach Patrol who were training prior to their shift on a beach nearby,” police said in a statement.
No further information is being released.
Police are reminding beach-goers that Brigantine Beach Patrol lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Waders and swimmers are strongly encouraged to swim at a guarded beach and between the flags designating the swimming area.
