After a dramatic rescue this week in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, local officials have decided to enforce strict beach hours outside of regular business times.
Reports indicate that six people found themselves caught in RIP currents about 100 yards from Webster Avenue Beach. This occurred when no lifeguards were present.
The Seaside Heights Fire Station sent rescuers on jet skis, successfully bringing the victims back to shore, though a seventh individual was hospitalized and sadly later pronounced dead.
Mayor Anthony Vaz emphasized to Fox News Digital that the beach itself won’t be closed, but access to the ocean will be restricted. “Our focus is on the ocean. We don’t want anyone in the ocean,” he stated.
Access to the beach will be prohibited from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., although this could change to earlier closures if water conditions seem hazardous.
Officials in Seaside Heights plan to increase law enforcement presence to ensure adherence to these new rules. “They’ll be here for the rest of the season, encouraging people to get out of the water by 5 a.m.,” Vaz explained.
“If people refuse to leave, they might face a summons. And if they become particularly confrontational—though I hope that doesn’t happen—they could be arrested,” he added.
Other beaches across the country are adopting similar safety measures. For instance, in December, Virginia Beach officials announced that lifeguards would remain on duty longer through early September, following three unfortunate drownings the previous fall, as reported by Local Outlet 13 News Now.
In Escambia County, Florida, regulations state that there should be no swimming in the Gulf under double red flag conditions.
According to local government guidelines, violations could result in fines of up to $500 or possible jail time of 60 days, or both. Moreover, anyone needing rescue in the Gulf would be barred from returning to the water for 24 hours.
The National Weather Service noted that there have been 49 RIP-related fatalities this year, with the total number of incidents reaching 52 as of Monday.
Tom Gill, vice president of the American Lifeguard Association (USLA), highlighted to Fox News Digital the importance of having lifeguards on duty during swimming hours. “Beaches designate swimming times to ensure that there are lifeguards available for protection,” he said.
Gill mentioned that “one in 18 million people is likely to drown on a guarded beach,” adding a layer of reassurance and caution regarding swimming safety.
Besides the safety considerations, he pointed out that the costs and resources required for emergency responses after hours are significant factors in such decisions.
