Heroes: Off-Duty Cop, Mom Save Boy Drifting In Jersey Shore Bay

An off-duty South Brunswick police officer and his mother are credited with saving a boy who was drifting out to the ocean, authorities said.

Bayville Volunteer FD
Photo Credit: *Bayville Volunteer Fire Department via Facebook*

Jon Craig

08/11/2023 12:31 p.m.

Sgt. William Merkler and his mother Doreen helped save the 5-year-old boy who had drifted towards the bay on a white swan float.

The rescue occurred at Amherst Beach in Berkeley, police said, citing Patch.

Merkler, and his mother were on their boat heading in from the bay near Amherst Beach on Tuesday, Aug. 8 when they noticed the boy in a float quite a distance out towards the bay, police said.

On that day, there were 18 mph winds with 25 mph gusts.

Police cars, emergency vehicles and personnel were awaiting him onshore. The Bayville fire rescue came to the boat as Merkler swam with the boy.

Thankfully, the boy, named Bryson, was back in his mother's arms, Doreen told Patch.

Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said, "Sgt. Merkler's quick actions prevented a tragedy. He is a great member of our department and his actions speak to who he is on and off duty."

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