Hoboken Teen Hero Saves Girls From Drowning At Jersey Shore

HOBOKEN, NJ — Rip currents have already claimed the lives of several swimmers at beaches in New Jersey so far this summer, but one local student and his co-workers helped prevent more tragedies over the weekend.

Rip Currents In NJ: What To Look For, How To Survive Them

Hoboken resident Sean O'Callaghan was part of a team of lifeguards at Chadwick Beach in Toms River who helped save a group of girls, said 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen, posting on Facebook.

Apparently, the girls were caught off guard when they were standing next to a sand bar, in an area that has a sudden drop.

"The sandbar has a dip in it," E. C. Peters told Toms River Patch, "and then you're getting pulled out. People panic."

Guards from Chadwick Beach and Silver Beach sprang into action, using their training.

The guards were listed as Bobby Irwin, Lt. Sean Frew, Desai Gliddon, Luke Hewlitt, Kerry Perna, Dan Brodeur, Nick Herkins, Matt Schwartz, Sean O'Callahan and Grace Fehrnstrom.

"Congratulations to 5th Ward resident and Hoboken hometown hero Sean O'Callaghan!" Councilman Cohen posted. "This weekend, Sean, along with a team of Chadwick Beach Lifeguards, used his training and skills as a lifeguard to rescue 12 teenagers from a deadly rip current in Toms River on the Jersey Shore. Sean is a student at High Tech High School and a member of the Hoboken High School track and swim teams.

"Congratulations to Sean and his proud parents, Jen and Pat. We honor Sean’s dedication to the safety of others. Your bravery in the face of danger and your quick actions helped save the lives of those twelve teenagers. We are so proud of you! Congratulations Sean, you are a true hero. Best wishes to you and to the entire O’Callaghan and Perry families, who know much about public service."

Read more about the rescue on Toms River Patch.

Patch editor Karen Wall contributed to this story.