A wreath of fresh flowers on the Belmar boards. 9/18/23. Paul Goldfinger photo Click to enlarge.
CNN: “In Belmar, New Jersey, in Monmouth County, about 50 miles north of Beach Haven, five swimmers were rescued Sunday from the rough surf off Fifth Avenue Beach, officials said. One of those pulled from the water alive, a 24-year-old man whose name was not released, was later pronounced dead at a hospital, officials said.”
The hospital was Jersey Shore.
Some towns are currently banning anyone from entering the ocean.
“Riptides are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers, but a strong rip current is a hazard for even experienced swimmers. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second, but speeds as high as 8 feet per second have been measured. That is faster than an Olympic swimmer!” (Internet factoid)
A chain tries to find a victim at Beach Haven. Photo of “Mostlymirrorless” via CNN