By: Richard L. Smith
A summer evening at the Jersey Shore turned tragic Friday when a 13-year-old boy drowned in Belmar despite extensive rescue efforts.
According to a statement released by Belmar Police Chief Tina Scott, 911 calls began coming in around 6:30 p.m., reporting a swimmer in distress near the 8th Avenue beach.
When police arrived, they learned that one juvenile had safely exited the water, but another remained missing.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., the missing boy was located unresponsive in the surf off the 7th Avenue beach.
Lifeguards, EMS crews, and Hackensack Meridian paramedics immediately began lifesaving measures.
He was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
This heartbreaking loss stressed the persistent danger of rip currents along the Jersey Shore, even for young and healthy swimmers.
Just earlier this week in Seaside Heights, a 31-year-old man died after being caught in a powerful rip current while attempting to help others in the water.
Several people, including his teenage son, were pulled to safety, but despite rescue efforts the man did not survive.
The incident prompted officials in Seaside Heights to reinforce warnings about swimming only when lifeguards are on duty and to consider earlier beach closures on rough surf days.
Ocean safety experts warn that rip currents remain one of the most unpredictable and deadly hazards at the shore.
Authorities strongly advise beachgoers to swim only at guarded beaches, remain aware of changing conditions, and heed posted warnings.