Dangerous surf continues at Jersey Shore after multiple drownings

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (PIX11) — Double red flags above the Seaside Heights boardwalk on Monday signaled no swimming allowed.

“We do have heavy rips, we have large surf,” said Jay Boyd, Chief of Lifeguards for Seaside Heights. “We have very close timing of the waves, which means there’s a lot of water coming in.”

Boyd expects the double reds will be flying for much of the week as Hurricane Erin’s influence

could descend upon the East Coast.

Despite the double red flag, Boyd says he will have lifeguards manning the beach.

“Keep your kids close, don’t let them wander too close to the edge of the water,” said Boyd.

This latest high rip current risk comes on the heels of tragedy. Last Tuesday, five people were pulled from the water in Seaside Heights after getting tangled in a rip current; one did not make it.

On Friday evening in Belmar, a 13-year-old girl was found unresponsive in the water off the 7th Avenue beach and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Those in Seaside Heights on Monday, while on vacation and enjoying themselves, are thinking about those victims.

 “It’s not safe. Safety first over everything,” said Christian Smith of Philadelphia. “No matter what we do, we have to consider our safety first, especially when you have children.”

“Safety is everything,” said Faith Smith, also of Philadelphia. “It’s really important to listen to those that have your best interest at heart when it comes to these things.”

Boyd says the majority of drownings happen when lifeguards are not on duty.

“That’s any parent’s biggest fear,” said Donna Morales of Bergen County.

As Morales and her family enjoy a few more days at the Jersey Shore, she says this is a time to respect the ocean by staying out of it and let nature runs its course.

“There’s no need to cause yourself or your families any heartache and put other people at risk that have to come save you,” said Morales.