Matawan Fire Department Performs Water Rescue Near Lake Lefferts

The Matawan Borough Fire Department pulled a stranded kayaker from a waterway near County Road 516 Saturday afternoon, according to Fire Chief Carl Bommer.

The male victim launched his kayak in Lake Lefferts near Ravine Drive and traveled under County Road 516, Bommer said. Shortly after passing under the bridge, the man got stuck in the mud about 150 feet from the shore along Greenbrook Drive. He was unable to free himself and a witness called 911 at about 2 p.m., Bommer said. 

Members of the fire department trained in ice and water rescue went into the water and retrieved the kayaker, who was uninjured in the incident, according to Bommer. He was safely on shore by 4:15 p.m.

Since the kayaker was right on the border of Matawan and Old Bridge, the Cheesequake Volunteer Fire Company also responded to the scene.