Search continues for teenage boy swept into ocean in Wildwood during school trip
WILDWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) -- A 14-year-old swimmer who was swept into the ocean off Wildwood during a class trip earlier this week is still missing.
Davoris Carter disappeared Monday while on a class trip to the shore with the Delta School, a private school for students with special needs in Philadelphia.
According to his family, Carter was supposed to participate in a graduation ceremony at school, which they had planned to attend in his honor, but the ceremony was abruptly canceled, according to family members.
Family members said Carter was in the water with other students when the incident occurred. His family said chaperones were present and watching as students entered the ocean. No lifeguards were on duty at the time, which officials say is typical for a weekday in early June.
Wildwood Beach Patrol Chief Steve Stocks urged beachgoers to take precautions.
READ MORE | School issues statement amid search for missing teen swimmer in Wildwood, New Jersey
"We understand that people want to be here. But this time of year is not the time of year to go in the ocean. The lifeguards are not on full-time during the week yet. No lifeguard, no swimming," Stocks said.
Stocks said members of the beach patrol responded quickly after receiving a 911 call, including some who were off duty.
"Some of the guards that were in town but off duty - they get an alert on their phone and they also showed up and were able to join in the rescue effort," he said.
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about water safety along the Jersey Shore. Last month, a 20-year-old man went missing off the coast of Ocean City while boogie boarding with friends, and his body has not been recovered.
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, teenagers-especially males-face a higher risk of drowning. Officials say swimming in areas supervised by lifeguards can significantly reduce the risk of fatal drowning, by as much as 81%.
Stocks emphasized the importance of heeding lifeguard warnings and understanding their role in preventing emergencies.
"I would ask people to think about the preventative measures that the lifeguard takes. When the lifeguards are here and you see them blow the whistle. You see them put out a red flag. You see them move people - all of those things are preventative measures to keep people safe," he said.
In Wildwood, lifeguards are currently on duty on weekends, with daily coverage scheduled to begin June 15. Officials in other shore towns are advising visitors to check local beach patrol social media pages for updated schedules and hours.
