Search underway for missing 14-year-old swimmer in Wildwood, New Jersey, officials say

Rescue crews are looking for a teenage swimmer in Wildwood, New Jersey, who has been missing since Monday afternoon, officials said. 

Someone flagged down a Wildwood Police officer just before 1:30 p.m. Monday seeking help for swimmers in distress in the ocean near Schellenger Avenue in Wildwood, a press release from the police department, fire department and beach patrol says. 

The Wildwood City and North Wildwood fire departments joined Wildwood police and three lifeguards at the scene, where several people were in the water. A Wildwood police officer helped three swimmers get out of the water, officials said. A 14-year-old boy who had gone in the water was still missing, prompting fire and beach patrol crews to enter the water on rescue boards and personal watercraft. The Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police and other local agencies also helped with the search with boats and helicopters.

After a two-hour search, beachside rescue operations ended, but marine and aviation units continue to look for the missing swimmer. 

One of the swimmers who was rescued was taken to an area hospital for treatment and is reportedly stable. Two others were treated at the scene, officials said. 

Officials said no lifeguards were on duty when the 14-year-old went missing in the water.  

"They did have an alert team, which had three personnel in headquarters that responded immediately and were deployed into the water like instantly," Ernie Troiano III, the chief of the Wildwood Fire Department, said

CBS News Philadelphia spoke with a woman who said she was the teen's mother. They live in Philadelphia and she said her son was on a field trip to Wildwood when he went missing. 

Troiano said their rescue efforts were up against some tough conditions in the water. He added that everyone heading to the beach should make sure lifeguards are present before heading into the ocean.

"The rip currents are strong; they're there," he said. "It's Mother Nature, and Mother Nature is a very powerful thing, and the best message we can get out is do not swim when the beaches are not guarded."