Asbury Park Distressed Swimmer Has Died
Giberson warns public the ocean is dangerous because of Jose and other storm systems
The distressed swimmer rescued off the Deal Lake Drive beach Wednesday afternoon has died, Asbury Park Deputy Police Chief David Kelso has confirmed.
“The family decided to have the victim removed from life support this morning at 6:40 .m.,” Kelso said.
The City’s police and fire departments responded near 3:11 p.m. Wednesday to a report of two distressed swimmers. Upon arrival, Ronald Renshtie, 54, of Wallkill, NY, had made it safely to shore but the female, Erin Higgins, 24, of Harriman, NY, continued to struggle in the surf.
The male swimmer told police the two were swimming in chest deep when they got caught in current, department spokesman Sgt. Michael Casey has said.
“They attempted to swim back to shore but kept getting pulled further out into the water,” Casey reported. “The male stated he lost sight of the female and he was able to swim back to shore about knee deep before being assisted out of the water by a subject on the beach.”
Attempts to rescue the female swimmer proved difficult due to the currents, Fire Department Spokesman Garrett Giberson Jr said. He said a tidal push brought woman closer to the shoreline, allowing firefighter Christian Stevens to assist in bringing her to the ashore.
The unresponsive female and her male companion were rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune by the fire department.
Casey said the unit and MONOC paramedics were able to revive the woman, who underwent a medical tests and assistance throughout the night.
The Asbury Park Police Department is conducting an investigation, Kelso said.
This was the third water rescue since Sept 11. and the city’s first drowning of the year. Higgins’ death was also the 31st water-related death to happen in New Jersey since May, according to nj.com.
“I can only repeat the message,” Giberson said. “Stay out of the water. The ocean will be very dangerous for a few days because of Jose and other storm systems. We do not want anyone in the water.”
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