A veteran FDNY firefighter drowned while trying to save his daughter from dangerous waters on the Jersey Shore on Friday, officials said.
Mark Batista, a Teaneck resident and member of Brooklyn Engine Company 226, died during a family vacation near Sylvania Avenue Beach in Avon by the Sea, FDNY confirmed.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the death of firefighter Mark Batista, who died swimming on the Jersey Shore on Friday,” spokeswoman Amanda Farinacci Gonzalez said.
“Firefighter Batista was a dedicated public servant who served FDNY for 15 years as both a paramedic and firefighter. We join his family in mourning his tragic passing.”
Batista, 39, jumped into rough waves at 8:30 a.m. when she noticed her teenage daughter had been caught in a rip current near the pier, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Instead, Batista sank into the water.
After searching for about 10 minutes, rescue teams found the girl and took her to hospital, where she is expected to make a full recovery.
Batista was found submerged in water around 10 a.m. and was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Lifeguards were not on duty while the family was swimming. The beach will not be manning the stands until next weekend.
“Following the tragic incident of a man drowning while trying to rescue his daughter from rough waters this morning in Avon, we are reminding you again to stay out of the water unless a lifeguard is present.” Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Office announced.
