SEASIDE PARK – A Whippany man died after being pulled from the ocean Saturday morning, one of two water rescues that drew emergency crews to the borough’s beaches, officials said.
Police identified the victim as 54-year-old John DeVone. He was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Seaside Park Police Department.
A beachgoer spotted DeVone struggling in the surf near 8th Avenue around 11:52 a.m. and called 911 after losing sight of him, Casole said. Members of the Seaside Park Fire Department’s water rescue team entered the water, pulled him to shore, and began CPR before he was transported to the hospital.
Later that afternoon, at about 1:35 p.m., emergency responders were called again after a woman appeared to be in distress near the 13th Avenue beach. The woman, who was not identified, managed to reach shore safely before rescuers arrived, Casole said.
Police are reminding residents and visitors that the beach season has officially ended and lifeguards are no longer on duty. Authorities strongly urge everyone to stay out of the ocean when lifeguards are not present, noting that rip currents and changing surf conditions can quickly become dangerous even for experienced swimmers.
