Police Find, Identify Swimmer Who Drowned off Seaside Park

Rescuers stage near Stockton Avenue, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 in anticipation of an ocean rescue. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Police have identified the swimmer who drowned off Seaside Park after being swept by extremely strong rip currents on Monday.

Wilmer Chavez, 31, of Howell, had been the subject of a search that included local first responders as well as rescue boats. He went missing in the ocean around 6 p.m. Monday, drawing a slew of ambulances and guards to the Stockton Avenue beach. Earlier that day, another man was pulled from the water in Seaside Park unresponsive, but his name was not available.

Chavez’ body was found about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday morning in the area of G Street and H Street, several blocks south of where he went missing.

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Local police departments have warned that dangerous rip currents are continuing all week, prompting Lavallette to enforce a full closure of its beaches for swimming. Seaside Heights has also shut down beach entrances at times and used its public address system to prompt swimmers to get out of the water.