One person drowned and six others were rescued from a rip current 100 yards offshore at Seaside Heights beach in New Jersey during a dramatic jet ski rescue operation. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, has sparked discussions about coastal safety and the need for improved public awareness about rip currents. According to the Jersey Shore Fire Response, six individuals were caught in a powerful rip current at Webster Avenue Beach, with the event unfolding in the early evening hours.
As the fire department responded to the distress call at 6:55 p.m. ET, the situation quickly escalated. A rescue swimmer equipped with a jet ski was deployed, allowing for the swift retrieval of the victims. Aerial footage captured the chaotic yet heroic efforts of the rescue team, with the swimmer retrieving each individual one by one, placing them on a raft while driving toward the shore. Medics were on standby to provide immediate care once the victims reached land. Despite their efforts, the seventh individual, who had been found in the water, was later pronounced dead at the Community Medical Center, marking a tragic loss.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for lifeguard presence at popular beaches, as the area in question did not have lifeguards on duty at the time. Experts have emphasized the dangers of rip currents, which are often underestimated by swimmers. Chris Brewster, a researcher from the United States Lifesaving Association, noted that many people are unaware of rip currents while in the water. He explained that individuals often realize they are further away from the shore than they anticipated, leading to frustration and panic, which can result in drowning. Brewster advised that when a rip current is encountered, swimmers should avoid fighting the current, instead floating and attempting to swim back to shore once clear of the rip.
Experts have also raised concerns about the frequency of such incidents, with 49 rip current-related fatalities reported this year alone. Rip currents are responsible for 81.9% of beach rescues in the United States, according to a study conducted by Brewster and his colleagues. These currents are a major cause of drownings, with estimates suggesting that over 100 individuals die each year due to rip currents. The Seaside Heights Fire Department’s ocean rescue team recently saved 12 people from a rip current on a beach with lifeguards, underscoring the critical role of trained professionals in such scenarios.
The tragic outcome of this incident has reignited the debate about coastal safety measures and the importance of lifeguard presence. While public awareness campaigns have been advocated for, the lack of lifeguards at the scene highlights the gaps in current safety protocols. As the summer season intensifies, with increased numbers of people flocking to the beaches, the need for vigilance against rip current dangers becomes increasingly urgent. The Seaside Heights Fire Department remains hopeful that the incident will serve as a reminder for swimmers to remain cautious and to heed safety advice, especially when encountering powerful ocean currents.