Off-Duty Cop Saves Boy Drifting Near Barnegat Bay

BERKELEY, NJ — A mother is warning beachgoers of the dangers of using floats in the water during strong winds after she and her son helped rescue a five-year-old boy at Amherst Beach.

Doreen Merkler and her son, William Merkler, a South Brunswick police sergeant, were on their boat heading in from the bay near Amherst Beach on Aug. 8 when they noticed the boy in a white swan float "quite a distance out towards the bay," she told Patch.

On that day, there were 18 mile per hour winds with 25 mile per hour gusts, she said.

A lifeguard and the boy's mom were on the shore trying to flag down the Merklers, Doreen said. So they turned the boat around, went to the boy, pulled him closer and brought him on the boat to safety.

They headed closer to the shore, and William put a life vest on the boy, brought him into shallower water and swam him towards his mom, Doreen said.

Police cars, emergency vehicles and personnel were awaiting him onshore. The Bayville fire rescue came to the boat as William swam with the boy to ensure all was safe.

Thankfully, the boy, named Bryson, was back in his mother's arms, Doreen said.

"As scared as this little boy was floating out there almost in the bay he managed to stay calm and on that swan float," she said.

The boy was very kind and thankful, Doreen said, and while he was shaking a bit he didn't cry.

"Sgt. Merkler's quick actions prevented a tragedy," South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka told Patch. "He is a great member of our department and his actions speak to who he is on and off duty."

Doreen shared the story with Patch to warn people of the dangers of strong winds and to keep everyone aware of their safety.

"This was just another example of police officers helping everyone whether on or off duty," Doreen said. "I was so proud of the wonderful job by my son rescuing this little boy Bryson."