39-year-old man drowns at unguarded beach on Jersey Shore.
A 39-year-old man tragically drowned on Tuesday while swimming at an unguarded beach in Lavallette, New Jersey. The incident unfolded around noon on New York Avenue, where witnesses reported hearing the man calling for assistance, leading them to contact emergency services regarding a potential drowning linked to a rip current.
Upon the arrival of rescue teams approximately five minutes after the distress call, the man, a resident of Totowa, was located approximately 25 yards from the shoreline in a partially submerged state. Emergency responders from the Lavallette and Seaside Heights fire departments managed to retrieve him from the water and initiated resuscitation efforts on the beach.
Following these immediate attempts to revive him, the man was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was pronounced deceased about 45 minutes after being recovered.
According to Lavallette Beach Patrol Captain Jack Caucino, the beach no longer operates with lifeguards after the Labor Day holiday, a practice that significantly raises safety concerns for swimmers during the off-season. Caucino emphasized that regardless of a swimmer’s level of experience, the dangers associated with ocean swimming during this time should not be underestimated. He noted that the individual had family in the area and may have been familiar with the ocean, which perhaps contributed to his decision to swim.
This unfortunate drowning incident comes on the heels of a weekend when rescue teams saved three individuals from the same beach location. Additionally, there has been a concerning trend of drownings at unguarded beaches in Ocean and Monmouth counties, with two other fatalities reported just last month.
The Lavallette drowning serves as a sober reminder of the risks posed by swimming in unguarded waters, especially during seasons when lifeguard services are no longer available. Authorities urge beachgoers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, emphasizing that conditions can change rapidly and unforeseen dangers can arise. The community and local officials continue to stress the importance of ocean safety as the summer season transitions into fall.
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