A New Jersey State Trooper swam to rescue a stranded kayaker, who fell overboard while fishing on Assunpink Lake in Upper Freehold Twp., Monmouth County.
According to NJ State Police Officials on Sunday, June 23, at approximately 4:06 p.m., Troopers responded to Assunpink Lake for the report of an overturned kayak.
When troopers arrived, they observed a man clinging to the capsized vessel approximately 150 yards from shore.
Trooper Kevin Allen spoke with the man who stated that he was weak and felt that he was unable to hold on to the kayak for much longer. When asked if he could swim, the kayaker advised he could not.
Trooper Allen immediately secured his uniform in his troop car, entered the lake, and swam out to the kayaker to render aid.
The man was conscious and alert when Trooper Allen arrived, but his legs were stuck in debris under the kayak. Trooper Allen kept the man afloat until an Allentown Fire Department rescue boat arrived.
Trooper Allen along with fire and rescue personnel freed the man’s legs and helped him board the Allentown rescue vessel. The man did not complain of any injuries, but stated he was stranded for about an hour.
Robert Wood Johnson EMS evaluated the kayaker on scene and transported him to Centra State Hospital in Freehold for further treatment.
The quick and decisive actions of Trooper Allen and Allentown Fire and Rescue personnel undoubtedly prevented a tragedy.