Coast Guard, Good Samaritan Save Capsized Boater In Barnegat Bay

BARNEGAT BAY, NJ — Thanks to the work of the U.S. Coast Guard and a helpful good Samaritan, a mariner was rescued from a capsized sailboat in Barnegat Bay Tuesday.

The mariner was saved from the water Tuesday evening by a good Samaritan after his 15-foot sailboat overturned, according to a Coast Guard news release. He was taken to a U.S. Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light 29-foot Response Boat-Small II (RB-S) crew. There are no reports of major injuries.

“This is a great example of how everyone has a part when it comes to safety on the water,” said Chief Petty Officer Matthew Whitlow, executive petty officer, Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light. “The fact that the mariner was wearing a life jacket, had a radio, and a good Samaritan was willing to step in and help made all the difference.”

It was 5:36 p.m. when Sector Delaware Bay command center watchstanders received a mayday call relayed by the good Samaritan stating there was a sailboat with one person aboard capsized in the water.

Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notice to mariners and deployed the Station Barnegat Light RB-S crew in response.

The sailboat was righted by a commercial salvage boat and towed back to Ocean Gate Marina in Bayville.

“Summer is in full swing and we want everyone to enjoy the water,” said Whitlow. “Whether you are at the beach or on a boat the ocean can be unpredictable and taking those extra steps can make sure we all enjoy the season safely.

The Coast Guard shared the following tips for a safe summer on the water.

• Know your local weather conditions: Check your local weather for storms, tides, currents, and winds before you get underway on your watercraft or head out for a swim. Follow warning signs and flags at the beach. Local forecasts and alerts can be found at https://www.weather.gov/
• Let someone know of your plans: Whether you are going for a swim or taking your watercraft out on the water, let someone know your intentions and have them check in on you after you are scheduled to return.
• Be mindful of strong rip tides: Rip currents move perpendicular to shore and can be very strong. A person caught in a rip current can be swept away from shore very quickly. The best way to escape a rip current is by swimming parallel to the shore instead of towards it, since most rip currents are less than 80 feet wide.
• Life jackets: When boating or paddling, always wear properly fitted and Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially in rough or moving waters.
• If you see something, say something: Don't hesitate to call 911 or reach out to the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 if you believe yourself or someone else is in danger.
• Respect the risks: Acknowledge the range of inherent dangers of water activities and take proactive measures to mitigate them.
• Swimming skills: Before taking to the water, ensure everyone has adequate swimming skills.
• Supervision: Maintain constant supervision of children and inexperienced swimmers.
• Learn CPR: Knowing CPR can save lives in emergencies.
• Designated areas: Swim in designated areas, preferably with lifeguards present.
• Boating safety: Follow boating guidelines, carry necessary safety equipment, and avoid distracted boating.
• Alcohol effects: Reduce risk by limiting or avoiding alcohol - which impairs judgment, reaction times, and physical function - while swimming, paddling, or operating boats.