Storm Rolls In, But So Does A Hero: Jersey Shore Man Rescues Woman And Dogs From Capsized Kayak

June 21, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Sea Isle City, New Jersey.

As fierce winds swept across the Jersey Shore on Thursday evening, a peaceful outing on the water quickly turned dangerous — but thanks to one man’s quick thinking, a potential tragedy was averted.

Brennan Bollard / Credit: NBC10 Philadelphia

Just as the storm barreled into Sea Isle City, Brennan Bollard, who runs Sea Isle Parasail, noticed a couple kayaking near 86th Street and the bay. Within moments, wind speeds surged dramatically. What had been a breezy 10 mph turned into a gusting 40 mph gale.

That’s when everything changed.

The kayak overturned, tossing the woman and her two dogs into the choppy bay. Seeing it unfold, Bollard didn’t hesitate.

“We knew they were out there, but then right when they flipped, that's when I just ran to the boat," he recalled.

Without wasting a second, he jumped into his small personal boat and sped toward the scene. First, he pulled one dog from the water. Then the second. The woman, clearly shaken and struggling, was next.

“She was definitely out of breath. It’s starting to take water to the face,” Bollard said of the intense moment.

The entire rescue, which was caught on video, unfolded quickly — but not without danger. Friends and bystanders who witnessed it were stunned by how swiftly Bollard acted.

“Next thing you know, we saw Brennan sprinting down the dock,” said Casey Clarke, a witness. “Within 30 seconds he was full throttle grabbing them. As soon as we saw Brennan, we were like, ‘They’ll be fine. They’re in good hands.’”

Witness Ann Marie Malone echoed the sentiment. “Thankfully it was a great outcome and if he wasn’t there, it could have been horrific.”

Thankfully, the woman and her dogs were all wearing life jackets — a decision that may have made all the difference.

“That’s what saved her, for sure,” Bollard said. “If she didn’t have life jackets, it would have been bad.”

Though he never got her name, Bollard said the woman was deeply grateful. After the ordeal, she and her companion declined medical treatment and left the scene quickly.

Still, those who watched it unfold say it was nothing short of heroic.

“It was miraculous. He’s a true hero,” Malone said.