So on July 23rd, Avalon, New Jersey, had a phenomenal rescue story. A sailing lesson for ten members of Avalon Yacht Club turned into a life or death situation. A group of eight teenagers and two instructors met with disaster when their sailboat, the “What Exit,” overturned. The men were deep in trouble in the perilous waters of Townsends Inlet.
What started as a regular sailing lesson quickly turned into something very different. The instructors and students were forced to make a hasty escape from their boat. Luckily, they were all wearing lifejackets, which gave them the opportunity to bail out in enough safety to do so. A quick response from both bystanders and lifeguards was key in making sure everyone was safe.
About 40 lifeguards, working as one unit with local residents, formed an unstoppable team and selflessly rushed to the area. They jumped into action and within minutes got all ten people to safety on shore. Their quick actions likely saved what would have been a deadly accident. Their unexpected, likely life-saving rescue was caught on camera, showing just how intense and focused the first responders’ efforts were that day.
Avalon Beach Patrol Chief Matt Wolf praised the efforts of his team, stating, “We had several assets out there: our ski, lifeboats, paddle boards.” He further acknowledged the remarkable commitment demonstrated by the lifeguards, noting, “There’s not too many people or organizations who could pull off a rescue like that. Some of those lifeguards that were down there today went above and beyond.”
The instructors and students at the Avalon Yacht Club were all unharmed. One responding officer, Mendez, described the scene in the first. “The boat didn’t fare so well, but that’s OK. Property can be replaced. People can’t,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of human life over material loss.
Chief Wolf reflected on the experience, saying, “I’ve been working for 28 years. That’s probably the most wild rescue that I ever personally witnessed.” His message sheds light on how bad things really were and just what drastic measures were taken to keep all of us safe.
Townsends Inlet is infamous for its rough conditions. Some even go so far as to call it the most dangerous body of water on the entire East Coast. Even as the successful rescue operation celebrated a happy ending, it pointed to the inherent dangers in choosing to sail across those waters. It, too, underscores the importance of appropriate preparedness.
