New Jersey

Pennsylvania Man Drinking Coffee Rescues Fisherman at Jersey Shore

A Pennsylvania man has been honored for saving the life of a fisherman who had been drowning in South Jersey.

Jeff Idler tells the Press of Atlantic City that he was drinking coffee on July 17, 2015 when he heard screams coming from Cape May Point. Idler ran to the beach and saw a man trapped in a whirlpool about 100 yards offshore.

Idler swam out to the fisherman, who was wearing heavy clothes and hip waders. He says he kept the man afloat for about three or four minutes until a firefighter and lifeguard lieutenant helped bring the man aboard a rowboat.

The firefighter gave Idler the award at a Lobster House Restaurant Friday night.

Fire Chief Alex Coulter says Idler "100 percent" saved the fisherman's life.

Copyright The Associated Press
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