Swimmer Cut By Boat Propeller In Barnegat Bay

BARNEGAT BAY, NJ — A 30-year-old woman swimmer was seriously injured Saturday when she got cut by a boat propeller while swimming in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey State Police said Monday afternoon.

State police responded to a request for medical assistance at 1:40 p.m. on Saturday at Tices Shoal in Barnegat Bay, Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said.

The woman had suffered a laceration by hitting a pontoon boat propeller while the engine was off, Lebron said. She was flown to a local hospital for further treatment, he said.

There was no additional information he could provide, he said.

Tices Shoal is an area in Barnegat Bay behind Island Beach State Park that is a popular spot for boaters in the summer. Hundreds of boats will gather in the area and anchor for the day, with people playing music, hang out, and party.

The Seaside Park Volunteer Fire Company, which responded to the incident, posted a safety reminder on Sunday about the dangers of boat propellers, saying, "Boaters and swimmers alike need to be aware of the dangers associated with boat propellers and all of the necessary precautions. This is especially true in places like Tices Shoal where many people are in the water around a lot of boats!"