Six Swimmers Rescued From Strong Rip Current That Killed 1

A day at the beach turned tragic on Monday (August 11) in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, when a rip current caught seven swimmers off guard at an unguarded beach. The Seaside Heights Fire Department received a distress call at 6:56 p.m. and quickly responded with a jet ski rescue team. They managed to save six individuals from the powerful current, but tragically, one person did not survive.

The incident occurred at Webster Avenue Beach, where lifeguards were not on duty at the time. The fire department's ocean rescue team swiftly arrived and used a jet ski to bring the victims to shore. A seventh swimmer, found submerged, was rushed to Community Medical Center in Toms River but was later pronounced dead.

The National Weather Service had issued red flag warnings for dangerous rip currents due to high winds and ocean swells. These warnings were in place over the weekend, urging beachgoers to exercise caution. Chris Brewster of the United States Lifesaving Association explained to WNYW that many people are unaware of rip currents until they find themselves being pulled away from the shore, which can lead to panic and exhaustion.

The Seaside Heights Fire Department had recently conducted another successful rescue operation, saving 12 people from a rip current on a beach with lifeguards present. However, Monday's incident highlights the dangers of swimming in unguarded waters. The beach town's rescue squad responded promptly, but the absence of lifeguards at the time of the incident underscores the importance of heeding safety warnings and red flags.