Search for missing swimmer in Maryland's Rock Creek is now a recovery operation

The search for a missing swimmer in Rock Creek, a tributary of the Patapsco River, in Anne Arundel County, is now a recovery operation, according to the Natural Resources Police (NPR).

Crews responded around 4:15 p.m. on Sunday to search for a man who jumped from a pontoon boat and never resurfaced. Officials said the man was with other people before he went missing.

Search crews from multiple agencies, including the NPR, Anne Arundel County Fire and Rescue, Baltimore County Fire Department, and the Coast Guard, searched into the evening on Sunday in Rock Creek between Riviera Beach and Fort Smallwood.

"This is probably the third time we've had fire down here looking in the water for people this year," said neighbor Jeffrey Brewus. "This is actually the most I have seen at one time. They must be pretty sure that someone is underwater."

Sgt. Ron Collier with the Natural Resources Police said crews used grid search, sonars, drones, divers, and helicopters to aid in the search.

The recovery operation will resume on Monday morning, officials said.

Collier said that swimmers should be prepared if they decide to jump into the water.

"Just know the water, know the water temperature, the water depth, the currents," Collier said. "If you have to jump in the water for anything, have a lifejacket on, don't just jump in."