Off-Duty NJ Cop Saves 2 From Drowning At Island Beach State Park

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK, NJ — An off-duty New Jersey Transit police officer is being praised for his quick-thinking actions that saved two of his friends from drowning.

On Sept. 13, Zachary Sjosward was fishing with two of his friends at Island Beach State Park when he left to grab something from his car, NJ Transit Police shared on social media.

When he came back, however, his friends were gone, police said. The two had been swept away from the shore, and were in area of the park without lifeguards, police said.

Sjosward scanned the area and saw one of his friends in the water, struggling to stay above surface and being pulled by an apparent rip current, police said.

Sjosward grabbed a body board from his car and swam to his friend, trying to drag him to shore via the body board, police said.

Unfortunately, the board's line snapped, and was eventually swept away, police said.

Sjosward then used his "Water Survival and Intervention" training and brought his friend ashore via a rescue technique, police said.

After one friend was saved, Sjosward looked again to the water to see his other friend partially submerged and also being pulled away, police said.

"Despite extreme exhaustion, and with disregard for his own life and safety, Sjosward again entered the water," police said.

He was able to make it to his other friend and brought him back to shore safely, police said.

Sjosward flagged down a passing motorist, who called 911, and both friends were transported to urgent medical aid, police said. Both survived.

"Officer Sjosward’s actions exemplify our NJTPD Core Values: Honor, Commitment, Integrity, and Courage," NJ Transit Police said.