Off-Duty New Jersey Trooper Rescues Swimmer in Distress in North Carolina

A New Jersey State Police trooper vacationing with his family in North Carolina jumped into action when a swimmer was suddenly pulled out into the ocean over the weekend.

Trooper Craig Kempinski was enjoying the day on the beach on Aug. 4 when he was alerted by his wife that someone was caught in a riptide, according to a news release.

He noticed the female swimmer was approximately 200 yards into the ocean and knew he had to get to her as quickly as possible.

Kempinski resorted to his water rescue training, and used a boogie board to navigate the hazardous current to the victim. She was exhausted and could barely stay above the water, so he provided her with the boogie board to keep her afloat. With assistance from a paddle-boarder, Kempinski got her back to the shore safely.

Despite swallowing some water and being exhausted, emergency personnel determined she didn't sustain any injuries.

"Trooper Kempinski's quick actions undoubtedly helped prevent a tragedy," the New Jersey State Police wrote in a statement.