SEASIDE HEIGHTS – The red flags mean stay out of the ocean. That’s the message that the local rescue squads are hoping to get to bathers today.
A message put out on Seaside Park Volunteer Fire Company’s social media said that there were swimmers in distress that had to be hospitalized after being caught in rip currents.
In the biggest case, there were five swimmers in distress at the 21st Avenue beach in South Seaside Park, a part of Berkeley Township just north of Island Beach State Park.
In Seaside Park, there were swimmers in distress at the L Street and M Street beaches.
In the morning, there were two swimmers in distress at the Magee Avenue beach in Lavallette. Shortly thereafter, there was a swimmer in distress in Island Beach State Park.
“Several people, some in critical condition, have been transported to the hospital,” officials said. In all caps they warned about life-threatening rip currents. “PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE OCEAN – THE CONDITIONS ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!! Never swim when and where lifeguards are not on duty.”
