Mom 'Critical' After Trying To Save Kids At Jersey Shore Beach: Police

BRIGANTINE, NJ — A mother is in "critical condition" after she nearly drowned while attempting to save her two young children from drowning in Brigantine while lifeguards were off duty, police said.

The 28-year-old woman was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, while the children were evaluated by Brigantine Fire/Rescue and reunited with their family, Brigantine police said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the children were wading or swimming in the ocean before they became overpowered by a current, police said. A witness saw the mother run into the ocean to save her children, but she became distressed and disappeared underwater, police said.

The witness immediately called 911, police said.

"Because of the mother’s selfless actions and the witness immediately seeking help, the children were able to be rescued by Brigantine Beach Patrol who were training prior to their shift on a beach nearby," Brigantine police said. Life-saving measures were performed on the mother by Brigantine police, Brigantine Fire/Rescue and Brigantine Beach Patrol, police said.

Brigantine police said that no further information will be released regarding this incident.

Police reminded Brigantine beachgoers that lifeguards from Brigantine Beach Patrol are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and urged swimmers to only swim at guarded beaches and between the flags designating the swimming area.