Freak Umbrella Accident Leaves Lifeguard Impaled in Beach Day Horror
New Jersey lifeguard Alex Kaus, 18, has returned to work on Asbury Park’s 3rd Avenue Beach three weeks after a freak accident where a gust of wind caused her to fall onto a beach umbrella stake, impaling her shoulder. The incident, which occurred last month as she was setting up the umbrella, left her with a 1-inch metal pole through her left shoulder, requiring first responders to cut it off before transporting her to the hospital. While she is not yet guarding beachgo, the college student is checking for beach badges as she prepares to head back to school at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Kaus expressed gratitude for her coworkers and community support, emphasizing her commitment to lifeguarding. Though she has no exact return date for when she will return to guarding, she remains optimistic about her recovery and hopes her story highlights the vital role of lifeguards in keeping beachgoers safe.
During the incident, a gust of wind blew Kaus off a lifeguard stand, dropping her onto the point end of the 1-inch metal pole. Fellow lifeguards found her lying on the ground with the stake through her left shoulder and sticking out the back of her arm, according to Asbury Park Fire Chief Kevin Keddy. First responders cut the umbrella stake off Kaus, making it easier to transport her to the hospital. Despite the severity of the injury, Kaus has made a remarkable recovery and is now back at work, though she is not yet guarding beachgoers.
Kaus has no exact return date for when she will return to guarding, as she is still awaiting medical clearance. She mentioned that she hopes to have at least two weeks on the stand before she has to return to school at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. With the news of her accident making national headlines, Kaus looks to downplay the attention, focusing instead on her recovery and the importance of lifeguarding. She expressed gratitude for her coworkers and the community’s support, acknowledging the critical role they play in ensuring the safety of beachgoers.
This summer marks the second year for Kaus on Asbury Park beach, which she chose after spending time visiting as a child. She admitted that she always enjoyed the activity and wanted to be part of the action. The incident has sparked discussions about the potential dangers faced by lifeguards and the need for greater safety measures on beaches. Kaus hopes that her story can bring more attention to the important work of lifeguards and the risks they take every day to keep people safe.
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Kaus remains optimistic about her recovery and is committed to her role as a lifeguard. She has not yet responded to media requests for comment but has expressed her gratitude to those who were there for her during the incident. Kaus has also mentioned her hope that the attention her story has received can help raise awareness about the importance of lifeguarding and the need for adequate support and safety measures for those on the job.
As she continues her recovery, Kaus is taking time to focus on her health and well-being. She is also preparing for her return to school and the upcoming academic year. While the road to full recovery may be long, Kaus remains determined to return to her role as a lifeguard and continue her service to the community. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of frontline workers and the challenges they face in their daily work.