Marblehead, Swampscott Police Save Child Stuck On Raft

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Marblehead and Swampscott police were able to save a child who was stuck on a raft off of Preston Beach and being blown further from shore by a strong wind.

Multiple emergency calls were placed to both police departments by people on the shore, who had tried unsuccessfully to reach the girl. The father of the girl, who was described as "very young," was on a separate raft trying to reach his daughter when police arrived.

Harbormaster patrol boats from both towns were able to reach the girl and her father and bring them safely to the pier near the Swampscott Fish House. Neither the father or his daughter were injured.

"This is a good reminder that the ocean can be an unforgiving place and things can happen quickly," Marblehead police said in a Facebook post. "To the many bystanders who called us for help – thank you!"

Dave Copeland covers the North Shore for Patch. He can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).