Drowning in Bradley Beach

UPDATE: Lifeguards formed human chain in vain attempt to rescue boy from rip current
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 07/25/07
BY MICHELLE SAHN

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BRADLEY BEACH — Lifeguards, who had just finished competing in a tournament less than 200 yards away, rushed to the ocean to try to rescue an 8-year-old borough boy who got caught in a rip current off the Newark Avenue beach.

They found Trevon Taylor about 30 or 40 yards out in the ocean after forming a human chain of about 40 lifeguards that began at the shoreline and stretched into the water, said John McCahill, a Bradley Beach lifeguard.

Rescue workers immediately attempted to clear the water from his lungs, but the little boy was pronounced dead at Jersey Shore University Medical Center at 9:40 p.m. Tuesday about 40 minutes after he was pulled from the water, police said.

Police said Trevon was in waist-high water, playing near a jetty with other children at the Newark Avenue beach when he got caught in a rip current.

"It's a tragedy,'' said Police Chief Leonard A. Guida. "It's truly a tragedy.''

Trevon would have started third grade in September.

Wayne Turner, the superintendent of schools in Bradley Beach, described Trevon as a bright, energetic boy who was liked by everyone.

"It's just so tragic,'' he said. "We're all devastated here.''

Turner said the district is offering counseling for anyone who feels they can benefit from it. Counseling will be offered at the elementary school at 515 Brinley Ave. from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. through Friday.