Crime & Safety

Volunteer Goes for Cold Swim to Save Kayaker

The Ocean City Fire Department transported the kayaker for treatment of hypothermia.

A Vineland man has good timing and Brian Riordan to thank for saving his life on Friday.

The man was kayaking in street clothes and hip waders in Corson's Inlet near the bridge into Strathmere when his craft flipped and dumped him into 43-degree water about 4:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 13). He had a life jacket and was able to cling to the kayak. But he was unable to get back into the craft or get to shore.

Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company Chief Bruce Riordan, who lives nearby, happened to witness the incident.

The chief contacted his son, Brian Riordan, a former Upper Township Beach Patrol member and Fire Company volunteer, who also was near at hand.

The younger Riordan plunged into the icy water and swam out 100 feet to rescue the kayaker, according to Steve Nickelsberg, safety officer for the Fire Company.

He estimated the middle-aged man spent 5 to 10 minutes in the water. The kayaker was conscious "but not completely there" after he and Riordan reached the beach, Nickelsberg said.

He was transported by the Ocean City Fire Department to Shore Memorial Hospital for treatment of hypothermia and is expected to recover.

Riordan was able to shower and warm up after his rescue effort, according to Nickelsberg.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.