Police, Fire & Courts

Watch: Seaside Heights Rescuers Save Swimmers, Rip Currents Expected This Weekend

by
Daniel Nee
May 26, 2023

A dramatic scene played out quickly in Seaside Heights near Dupont Avenue on Friday, when two swimmers were caught in a rip current and taken out to sea before being rescued by first responders.

A rescue takes place near Dupont Avenue in Seaside Heights, May 26, 2023. (Photo: Shorebeat)

The swimmers entered the water near Dupont Avenue, where a swath of light-colored water indicated a rip current. A Shorebeat reporter who happened to be near the scene caught some video of the rescue, embedded above. The first responders came from the Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Department’s Water Rescue and SCUBA team, as well as the Seaside Park Volunteer Fire Department.

The rescuers utilized a rope line, which was deployed into the water, guiding them to the swimmers. They also carried red “torpedo” floats to help with buoyancy. Members on the team who remained on land pulled in the rescuers and the swimmers with the rope. The swimmers were able to exit the water on their own feet, and were evaluated by EMTs before appearing to return to the beach.

“The fire company’s SCUBA team is excellent,” said Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz on Friday night.

There may have also been some regular lifeguards who happened to be on the beach; their season officially begins Saturday. Vaz said the lifeguard captain will open the beach to swimmers each day after the National Anthem plays, announcing water conditions and the flag color.

A rescue takes place near Dupont Avenue in Seaside Heights, May 26, 2023. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Rip currents like the one witnessed Friday are likely to remain a possibility through the holiday weekend. According to the National Weather Service, the rip current risk this weekend is considered “moderate,” which indicates “Life-threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone.”

The NWS marine forecast indicates the wave heights in the surf are expected to be 2-3 feet with the water temperature in the low-60s. North winds will eventually turn southeast. High tide is at 2:09 p.m. Saturday.