Remarkable Beach Rescue: Belmar Lifeguard And Bystanders Save Sand-Trapped Snapping Turtle

July 3 was an unforgettable beach day. It started like most others — securing a spot near the water and drifting into my Zen zone under a cool umbrella shade. But as high tide rolled in, those of us sitting nearby witnessed an incredible wildlife rescue reminiscent of the starfish story, as concerned beachgoers and a determined lifeguard joined forces to save a freshwater creature in distress.

The events unfolded around 12:30 p.m., when a mother and daughter were walking along the breaking waves on Belmar beach. As the water pulled back from the shoreline, something unusual caught their attention — a pair of eyes poking up from the sand. Curious, they asked some people sitting nearby what it could be.

Several people came to take a closer look, and to everyone’s surprise, it wasn’t shells or seaweed — it was a snapping turtle, almost entirely buried in the wet sand on Belmar beach.

Snapping turtles are freshwater reptiles, not sea creatures, so finding one on the beach near the Atlantic Ocean was a surprising and unusual discovery indeed!

These turtles are known for their powerful jaws and rugged appearance, quite different from the graceful sea turtles that inhabit the ocean. Snapping turtles usually live in lakes, ponds, or slow-moving rivers, and sometimes can tolerate brackish waters — but in this case, it most likely lived in Lake Como. The lake, nestled between Belmar and Spring Lake, New Jersey, drains into the Atlantic via a 700-foot outflow pipe at the far southern end of Belmar beach to help prevent local flooding.

One theory among bystanders was that the turtle had been swept from Lake Como through the drainage tunnel during torrential rainstorms that pummeled the Jersey Shore the day before. Battling ocean tides, the freshwater turtle had likely been struggling in unfamiliar saltwater and was finally tossed back onto shore by the incoming surf.

But now, it was in trouble.

And the tide was moving in fast.

As the waves continued to push toward the shore, water kept washing over the turtle, reburying it deeper into the sand. Onlookers used their bare hands and kids’ plastic shovels to dig away at the sand that had trapped the exhausted reptile, while a bystander called the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for help. Belmar Police soon arrived on scene, followed by a lifeguard from Belmar Beach Patrol.

Realizing that time was running out as high tide approached, the lifeguard joined the effort, helping to dig and loosen the tired turtle. With teamwork and care, the group finally managed to loosen the creature from its sandy trap.

Then, in a brave and careful move — snapping turtles can deliver a painful bite — the lifeguard picked up the turtle and carried it across the sand to a waiting vehicle. While I can't say for certain, it’s believed that the turtle was transported back to its habitat in Lake Como, where it belongs.

This extraordinary turtle rescue was a beautiful example of humans and nature colliding in the best possible way. It reminds us that all living creatures sometimes need a helping hand.

And on that picture-perfect summer day leading into a major holiday weekend, people made a difference and saved a life. Just like that boy in the parable who was throwing stranded starfish back into the sea, one by one, even though so many had already washed up on the beach.

”I made a difference for that one.”

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Snapping Turtle Vs. Sea Turtle: What’s the Difference?

While sea turtles are built for life in saltwater — with streamlined shells and flippers for swimming long distances — snapping turtles are freshwater reptiles. They have rugged, dinosaur-like shells and strong claws for walking in muddy lake bottoms, not gliding through the surf. Sea turtles often nest on beaches, but snapping turtles don’t belong in the ocean. They’re solitary and territorial, and prolonged exposure to saltwater can harm their health.

That’s why the beachgoers’ quick thinking and compassion saved this turtle’s life.

So next time you’re walking along the Jersey Shore, keep your eyes open. You never know what you might discover in the sand — or who (or what) might need your help.

Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content.

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