Nine people were brought ashore at a South Jersey beach on Saturday morning, some who were initially in distress and others who had gone into the water attempting to save them, officials said Monday.
Ocean City officials said lifeguards were initially called to the Ninth Street beach after four people struggled to stay afloat about 20 yards from the sand.
Meanwhile, multiple people entered the water trying to assist those trapped in the waves, ultimately becoming stuck themselves and needing help, according to an incident report from the beach patrol.
About a dozen first responders, including multiple lifeguards, responded to the call, the reports says. One lifeguard used a jet ski to reach the stranded swimmers. Firefighters also responded but did not deploy any equipment.
At least one person was treated by first responders after being rescued. Once on shore, the nine swimmers were interviewed by police, the report says.
It was unclear on Monday if a rip current factored into the swimmers being stuck in the water, but lifeguard officials, according to the report, recommended more frequent police inspections of areas prone to the hazard.
The report did not say if anyone rescued was hospitalized.
The National Weather Service issued an advisory for a high risk of rip currents along the Jersey Shore on Saturday.
Stories by Eric Conklin
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