OC Issues Swim Advisory; Three Swimmers in Distress Rescued

Image Courtesy of Ocean City Beach Partrol

OCEAN CITY, Md. – Ocean City officials have issued a swim advisory after three swimmers were rescued from rough waters on Friday morning.

Just before 9:15 a.m. on Oct. 2, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) units were dispatched to the area of 19th Street and the beach for a report of multiple swimmers in distress, including children. Upon arrival, rescue swimmers immediately deployed into the ocean and began rescue operations. Additional resources were requested to the scene, including Maryland State Police Aviation and the Ocean City Police Department Drone Unit.

Two victims were safely brought back to shore by OCFD rescue swimmers. A third victim was pulled aboard a Maryland Natural Resources Police vessel and transported to the U.S. Coast Guard Station. All three swimmers were evaluated for injuries. Two of them reportedly refused additional medical treatment, and one patient was transported for further evaluation.

“This incident is a reminder of just how quickly conditions in the ocean can change,” said Incident Commander Derrick Simpson. “Our rescue swimmers entered the ocean and worked quickly alongside our public safety partners to get everyone safely out of the water. Just because you can see or stand on a sandbar does not mean you are safe.”

The Town of Ocean City issued a swim advisory on Friday morning as well, saying that, due to dangerous ocean conditions and high risk of rip currents, beachgoers are strongly advised to avoid swimming in the ocean. Additionally, Ocean City Beach Patrol has retired for the season, making beach safety even more paramount.