Seaside Heights, N.J.—Tragedy struck on Monday night as two individuals drowned in separate incidents, one at Webster Avenue Beach in Seaside Heights and the other at Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn. Officials have raised concerns over rip currents and the absence of lifeguards, spotlighting the dangers of swimming in unmonitored areas.
In Seaside Heights, five swimmers were rescued after becoming caught in a rip current shortly after 6:30 p.m. when lifeguards were off duty. Tragically, one swimmer, whose identity has not yet been released, could not be revived despite emergency personnel administering CPR. He was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center in Toms River. The other rescued swimmers are in stable condition.
Local officials, including Mayor Tony Vaz and Police Chief Thomas Boyd, have discussed possibly closing the beach when lifeguards are not present, citing the need for heightened safety measures. “We’d rather have people frustrated with a closed beach than face a tragedy,” said Vaz, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the ocean. Boyd noted that public awareness is essential: “It’s a very dangerous playground; if you’re not paying attention, it can turn deadly in seconds.”
Over the weekend, lifeguards had already performed 12 rescues, often in areas lacking proper oversight. Similar rescue efforts were noted in neighboring beaches; Seaside Park and Island Beach Park also reported lifesaving interventions. In the past week alone, Asbury Park logged 25 rescues and 33 assists, while Long Branch recorded an alarming total of 390 rescues. Belmar reported 49 additional rescues over the weekend as rip currents continued to pose a significant threat.
In Brooklyn, a 55-year-old woman drowned after being pulled from the water near Mackenzie Street at Manhattan Beach. First responders provided urgent assistance and transported her to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed by the medical examiner, and her identity has not been released.
The sweltering heat and humidity have drawn crowds to the beach, but officials continue to warn of the hazard presented by swimming without lifeguard supervision. Both drowning incidents occurred after lifeguards had concluded their duties for the day. A moderate risk for rip currents had been issued for both Seaside Heights and Manhattan Beach, reflecting ongoing concerns about ocean safety.
Signs warning beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming when lifeguards are not on duty are posted throughout Seaside Heights, with plans to include Spanish translations to better inform all visitors. Mayor Vaz is also contemplating measures to restrict beach access after lifeguards leave their posts for the evening.
As summer continues, local authorities are urging residents and visitors alike to prioritize safety in the water, stressing the importance of understanding beach conditions. Swimming only when lifeguards are present is a crucial step in preventing further tragedies.