BELMAR, N.J. – A summer evening at the Jersey Shore turned tragic on Friday when emergency crews rushed to 8th Avenue Beach after reports of multiple swimmers in distress.
According to officials, the incident unfolded just after 6 p.m., when beachgoers noticed several swimmers struggling against powerful rip currents near the jetty. Witnesses immediately called 911, prompting a rapid response from the Belmar Police Department, Belmar First Aid, and lifeguards, who were off duty at the time but quickly returned to the water to assist.
First responders arrived within minutes and entered the ocean alongside bystanders who had already attempted to help the struggling swimmers. Crews were able to pull multiple individuals from the surf, with some requiring immediate life-saving measures on the sand. At least one swimmer was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in critical condition, while others were treated at the scene for exhaustion and water-related injuries.
“The currents have been extremely dangerous this week,” one first responder noted. “Even strong swimmers are having a difficult time.”
Authorities temporarily closed the 8th Avenue access point as rescue operations continued into the evening. Officials warned that the timing of the incident — occurring after lifeguards had gone off duty for the day — made the situation even more perilous.
Friday’s tragedy has renewed calls for caution among beachgoers. Local officials urge swimmers to always enter the water only when lifeguards are present and to pay close attention to posted rip current warnings. The National Weather Service had issued advisories earlier in the week about hazardous swimming conditions along the Jersey Shore.
Belmar Mayor Gerald Buccafusco released a statement late Friday, expressing sympathy to the families involved and gratitude to the emergency crews who acted quickly:
“Our hearts go out to those impacted by tonight’s tragic events. We are thankful to our police, EMS, and lifeguards who rushed back to assist without hesitation. Their bravery and dedication to this community do not go unnoticed.”
The identities of the swimmers involved have not yet been released, pending family notification. Officials confirmed that the incident remains under investigation as authorities piece together the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
For now, Belmar’s 8th Avenue Beach serves as a somber reminder of the ocean’s dangers, even on what began as a typical summer evening at the shore.
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