the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Mahwah NJ, a 68-year-old man was found unresponsive in a backyard pool on Bedford Road in Mahwah, NJ, on September 6, 2025, and later died, leaving the community reeling. Mahwah police are investigating whether the man drowned or suffered a medical emergency, marking another tragic pool incident in Bergen County. With drowning deaths rising in NJ, this heartbreaking event underscores the need for pool safety in 2025. Here’s what happened and how to stay safe!
The Incident: A Deadly Discovery in Mahwah
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, just before 6 p.m., Mahwah police rushed to a Bedford Road home after a family member found a 68-year-old resident floating unresponsive in a backyard pool. Officers pulled the man from the water and performed CPR, but a requested medevac helicopter was canceled. Mahwah EMS transported him to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, where he was pronounced dead, according to Captain Michael Blondin.
The man’s identity is withheld pending family notification, and police are investigating whether drowning or a medical emergency caused the tragedy. This incident follows a string of pool-related deaths in Bergen County, raising alarms about residential pool safety.
Bergen County’s Drowning Crisis: A Growing Concern
This Mahwah tragedy isn’t isolated. Bergen County has seen multiple drowning incidents, including a 17-year-old in Hillsdale (2023), a 4-year-old in Woodcliff Lake (2023), and a 55-year-old in River Vale (2022). The NJ State Health Assessment reported 74 drownings statewide in 2024, with backyard pools posing significant risks. The Mahwah case, still under investigation, highlights the dangers of unsupervised swimming and potential medical emergencies near water.
Captain Blondin’s team is probing whether the man’s death was accidental or health-related, a critical distinction as NJ grapples with rising drowning rates. Residents are urged to stay vigilant around pools.
Keywords: NJ drowning statistics, Bergen County pool accidents, Mahwah pool safety, unsupervised swimming risks, medical emergency pool
Pool Safety Tips for NJ Residents in 2025
To prevent tragedies like the Mahwah incident, follow these safety measures:
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Supervise Always: Never swim alone, especially in backyard pools.
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Install Barriers: Use fences and alarms around pools, as required by NJ law.
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Learn CPR: Enroll in courses through the Red Cross or Bergen County EMS (201-785-9900).
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Check Health: Consult a doctor if you have medical conditions before swimming.
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Call 911: Report emergencies immediately, as Mahwah police did on September 6.
Source: Adapted from Mahwah Police Department, Patch.com, and NorthJersey.com reports.
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