Swimmer, 46, Dies After Being Swept to Sea in Ortley Beach

A sign indicating no lifeguards on duty in Bay Head, N.J. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

A swimmer died Wednesday after being swept out to sea during an outing in Ortley Beach.

Toms River police confirmed they were called to Fielder Ave and Ocean Avenue in Ortley Beach at about 1:55 p.m. Wednesday for a reported swimmer in distress.

Seaside Heights Beach Patrol units responded to the area via jet-ski and brought Matthew Mauro, 46 of Middletown, to shore, and CPR was immediately initiated. Toms River police officers, Seaside Heights beach and fire units, Tri-Boro First Aid, TRPD community service officers and RWJ Paramedics all assisted with resuscitation efforts on Mauro. He was transported to Community Medical Center where he was ultimately pronounced deceased.

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The incident remains under investigation, police said.

Weather conditions were generally good Wednesday, and seas were running 1-3 feet at the time. The rip current risk, according to the National Weather Service, was moderate, meaning surf zone conditions are “favorable for the development of life threatening rip currents,” but not necessarily likely to produce them.