A New Jersey man faces several charges after allegedly becoming belligerent with lifeguards coming to his rescue from a rip current off a beach.
Ivan Rivera was under the influence of alcohol when he was caught in a rip current with another man and both were swept out to sea Saturday evening, said Seaside Heights Police Chief Tommy Boyd.
Two lifeguards went out to rescue Rivera and his friend and were put in jeopardy by Rivera's actions, according to Jay Boyd, the beach director and the police chief's brother.
When they were brought to shore, Rivera allegedly attacked two other lifeguards who came over to help, striking one of them in the jaw.
"He was clearly under the influence," said Jay Boyd.
All of this happened as Seaside Heights lifeguards were rescuing a total of seven swimmers off Seaside Heights along with several others off nearby beaches.
Rivera faces charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct and underage drinking, according to Police Chief Boyd.
Information on an attorney for Rivera was not immediately available.
