SEASIDE PARK — A 23-year-old Burlington County man drowned Friday evening in the ocean off Seaside Park, marking another early-season water tragedy along the Jersey Shore as officials warn beachgoers to stay out of unguarded surf.
The man’s identity was not released, but his family had been notified, Sgt. Andrew Casole of the Seaside Park Police Department told Patch. His body had not been recovered as of 9:30 p.m., and the search was suspended because of darkness.
Police said a swimmer in distress was reported around 5:30 p.m. near Decatur Avenue. Water rescue teams from Seaside Park and Seaside Heights responded, along with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Casole said initial reports of a second missing swimmer were not accurate and may have stemmed from confusion involving people who entered the water while trying to help.
The drowning comes early in the summer season, when many beaches are not yet fully guarded or have limited lifeguard coverage. It also follows the drowning of a Forked River man in Ship Bottom after authorities said he became caught in a rip current.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office issued a public safety warning after multiple rescues were reported along the Jersey Shore, urging swimmers not to enter the ocean at unguarded beaches. Officials said those who go into the water without lifeguards present are putting themselves and first responders at risk.
The warning was shared with emergency responders and public safety agencies, including the Ocean County Fire and EMS Training Center, Seaside Park Police Department, Seaside Heights Police Department and Island Beach State Park.
Authorities said lifeguards provide a critical layer of protection, particularly during rough surf, rip currents and changing ocean conditions. Beachgoers are urged to swim only at guarded beaches during operating hours, follow posted warnings and avoid entering the water when surf conditions are hazardous.
With the summer season just getting underway and crowds increasing along the Shore, officials said basic beach safety precautions could help prevent more emergencies.
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