BOSTON • A “heroic” police officer is being hailed for his quick thinking while out on the water Saturday when he rescued five people after their boat capsized amid rough seas.

Ipswich patrol officer Matthew Bodwell is credited for saving the five people, including a baby and a pregnant woman.

While on patrol on the water near the Clark Beach mooring area, Bodwell was alerted over the marine radio for a “mayday” message: A vessel had capsized in the mooring field, and people were in the water in distress.

Bodwell activated his blue lights and directed the patrol boat toward the mooring field, where he saw a man in the water waving an arm for help.

The officer was first able to pull a pregnant woman from the water, followed by a second woman, then a 14-month-old girl, and lastly two men.

None of the boaters were wearing life jackets. The police chief reminded all boaters that Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are mandatory for all boaters under age 12, and are recommended for all.