A 21-year-old man died after surfers pulled him from the ocean at an unguarded North Wildwood beach, where emergency responders attempted to revive him.
WEBDESK – NJNEWSLINE
A 21-year-old man died Friday after being pulled from the ocean at North Wildwood, New Jersey, following an emergency rescue involving several surfers and bystanders.
Police identified the man as Ahmet Yimenici, who was pulled from the water near Second and Ocean avenues at about 2 p.m., according to authorities. He was later pronounced dead at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional.
Witnesses told 6abc that a group of surfers paddled into the water after the man was in distress and brought him back to shore before emergency medical personnel arrived.
Emergency responders then treated Yimenici at the scene before he was transported to the hospital, where authorities said he was pronounced dead.
The rescue unfolded when lifeguards were no longer on duty at the beach. North Wildwood Police Chief Katherine Madden recognized the surfers and civilians who responded, saying their immediate actions gave Yimenici the best possible chance of survival.
Authorities are reminding beachgoers to swim only in areas where lifeguards are present.
The death comes as visitors continue to use New Jersey shore beaches after the main summer lifeguard season. Weather and ocean conditions can change quickly, making supervision and awareness particularly important for swimmers.
The incident was initially reported as a water rescue Thursday afternoon, with witnesses describing surfers bringing a person from the water and emergency crews responding near Second and Ocean Avenues. Authorities later confirmed that the swimmer had died.
North Wildwood is located in Cape May County at the southern end of New Jersey’s barrier-island communities. The city remains a popular destination for beachgoers and surfers even after the peak summer season.
The circumstances that led to Yimenici’s distress in the water were not immediately detailed by the authorities in the available reports.
Why it matters
The death highlights the risks of swimming at beaches without lifeguard supervision, particularly outside the peak summer season. Officials are urging swimmers to use designated areas with lifeguards and to avoid entering the ocean alone or in conditions they cannot safely manage.
