Authorities received a call around 1:35 p.m. reporting swimmers in distress near Schellenger Avenue and the beach. The missing teen was identified by family members as Davoris Carter.
The U.S. Coast Guard searched waters about 500 yards offshore near Morey's Piers, deploying helicopters and boats in an extensive search that lasted for hours. New Jersey State Police also assisted, using drones and all-terrain vehicles to search the shoreline.
Search underway for missing 14-year-old swimmer in Wildwood
Wildwood Fire Department Chief Ernie Troiano III said first responders were already heading to the scene before the official dispatch was received.
"Our personnel heard it before the dispatch and were on the move," Troiano said.
He said one police officer was already helping three swimmers out of the water when emergency crews arrived.
"One of the patrolmen actually was escorting three individuals out at the time, was helping them out of the water as we were pulling onto the scene," Troiano said.
Troiano said strong currents complicated rescue efforts.
"The water was running pretty strong north to south when we went down there, so our rescue efforts were focused on that. We took into consideration the tide cycle, the way the currents were running," he said.
Family members said Carter was in Wildwood on a class trip.
"He came down here to Wildwood on a class trip," said his grandmother, Kenya Pippen.
Pippen said students on the trip required close supervision because they have special needs.
"Every child that went to the beach has a one-on-one because they're special needs," she said.
According to Pippen, Carter was with a family member who briefly left to get food and did not realize the teen had entered the water. She said four children in total were swimming into the ocean toward a flag.
"As far as I know, no staff member got into the water with any of the children," Pippen said.
She said family members were told there were no lifeguards on duty at the beach, which is customary this time of year.
"There were no lifeguards present at all, and they still allowed these children with special needs to get into the water with no adults," Pippen said.
Pippen said Carter entered the water fully clothed and never had the opportunity to change into his swim trunks.
"His mom found his swim trunks on the shore," she said.
Pippen expressed frustration over what she described as a lack of supervision.
"The fact that only one staff member got into the water when there were several adults standing there," she said. "He said maybe they were scared. If you're scared of water, you don't let children in the water unsupervised, going that far out, not calling them back when they get out of your eyesight."
As search efforts continued, Pippen said the family was struggling to understand what happened.
"I think it's a disgrace and somebody will be held accountable, but none of this can bring back my grandson," she said. "My grandson has been missing. It's cold here. He's been gone for hours. He doesn't deserve this. He's just a kid. He was supposed to graduate on Wednesday."
Pippen described Carter as "a great kid" and "a happy kid."
"As much as I want to cry, I'm so angry, because I cannot believe as adults you would allow something like this to happen," she said.
Troiano urged beachgoers to stay out of the ocean when lifeguards are not on duty.
"Please do not swim when the beaches are not guarded," he said.
Action News asked the boy's school for comment, but we have not heard back.