Two More Rescues in Dangerous Water at Ninth Street

Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguards and Ocean City Police Department personnel were involved in separate ocean rescues on Saturday evening near the Ninth Street jetty.

The rescues happened at the same place where four swimmers were pulled safely from the water by OCBP lifeguards on Thursday in a rescue that left one lifeguard with minor injuries to her legs (from the jetty) and briefly hospitalized another (who had trouble breathing after taking in some salt water).

Saturday's first rescue occurred while the Ocean City Beach Patrol was still on duty, according to Ocean City Fire Department Capt. Scott Goucher. A swimmer was pulled safely from the water near the jetty.

The second rescue happened after the OCBP guards had left for the day. A police officer went into the water to rescue a minor, Goucher said.

Goucher said the minor was conscious and speaking, but was transported by the Ocean City Fire Department to Shore Memorial Hospital as a precautionary measure.

Several days of northeast winds have made for rough surf and strengthened the rip that always pulls out to sea at the Ninth Street jetty. The northeast swell is expected to continue on Sunday with slightly diminished winds.

Swimmers are always warned to enter the ocean only at protected beaches while lifeguards are on duty, and Ocean City Beach Patrol members routinely warn bathers when they leave for the day.

Ocean City Beach Patrol typically staffs its beaches until 5 p.m. on weekdays and 5:30 p.m. on weekends. It has some extended hours during the season.