Plum Island lifeguard, 20, rescues 14-year-old girl from drowning

• By Dave Rogers STAFF WRITER
 
• Jul 14, 2016
 

NEWBURYPORT - A local lifeguard is being heralded as a hero after saving a 14-year-old girl from drowning yesterday afternoon off Plum Island Point.
Around 2:30 p.m. yesterday, four out-of-town bathers were wading on a Merrimack River sandbar when the swift current dislodged them from their sandy perch and into the river.  One of the four, the 14-year-old, became separated from the others and drifted away. 
That was when lifeguard Matt Hayden, one of two lifeguards on duty near the sandbar, leapt into the water and rescued her. 
The second lifeguard, Drew Brewer, kept the other three bathers together and brought them to safety, according to Newburyport Harbormaster Paul Hogg. 
The 20-year-old Hayden said he was about 400 feet offshore in water about 12 feet deep when he grabbed the teen, who was exhausted and very close to drowning. 
"The current was really strong so I had to keep her head above water," Hayden said. 
Due to her near exhaustion, the victim could not hold onto Hayden's flotation device. That meant Hayden had to hold onto her while keeping both their heads above water until help arrived. Meanwhile, Hayden did his best to keep her focused and calm. A few minutes later, a harbor patrol boat arrived and personnel pulled them out of the water. 
"I knew what I had to do so I just focused on what I had to do," Hayden said.
The harbormaster boat brought them over to a bait and tackle shop at Plum Island Point, where they were greeted by the victim's grateful stepfather. 
"He gave me a handshake and a hug," Hayden said. 
Hogg said boats were speeding towards Hayden and the others within moments after the call came through the radio. Local firefighters were also dispatched to the scene. They evaluated all four bathers and declared them OK. 
"They did a fantastic job," Hogg said of his two lifeguards. 
The incident happened shortly after low tide. The tide was rising and ocean waters were rushing into the river mouth, raising the water level and creating strong upriver currents. 
Wednesday's incident took place at the same sandbar that claimed the life of a 21-year-old Lynn woman in 2010 when she and seven others were swept into the Merrimack River. Located in the mouth of the Merrimack between the Plum Island and Salisbury Beach, the sandbar extends out from the Plum Island side of the river into notoriously fast and dangerous currents.
Hayden said he conducted a similar rescue at the same spot last year. In that instance, a young man was in danger of being swept by the current when Hayden leapt in and rescued him. 
"But he was in a lot better shape," Hayden said, adding that the victim was strong enough to hold on Hayden's flotation device allowing the lifeguard to swim them back to shore. 
Despite the danger, the sandbar is a popular wading area for bathers. That reality plus the 2010 tragedy prompted Hogg to assign two lifeguards to the area this summer. 
This summer marks fourth year Hayden has worked for Hogg on Plum Island beaches. The Newburyport native said he couldn't be happier working for the city and was glad he was able to be at the right place at the right time. 
"I love the job. I'm definitely glad I work here," Hayden said.