BELMAR, N.J. — What began as a warm summer evening at the Jersey Shore turned into heartbreak Friday when a swimmer died and another was rescued in a water emergency near 8th Avenue Beach in Belmar.
According to officials, the incident unfolded just after 7 p.m., when lifeguards and emergency crews responded to multiple swimmers in distress. The first call involved a young boy, who was successfully pulled from the surf and brought safely to shore by lifeguards. His condition has not been reported, but he was expected to recover.
Moments later, rescuers were alerted to a second swimmer, described as a female, who had not resurfaced after entering the water. Witnesses told investigators she had been swimming with two friends, both of whom managed to make it back to the beach safely.
A large-scale multi-agency rescue operation was immediately launched. Belmar lifeguards were joined by borough police, firefighters, and water rescue teams. The U.S. Coast Guard assisted with the search, deploying rescue boats, drones, and even a helicopter to scan the surf and surrounding area. Beachgoers looked on as crews fought against the ocean’s unpredictable currents to locate the missing swimmer.
After an intensive search, the woman was eventually located and brought to shore. First responders initiated CPR and requested a helicopter to airlift her to a nearby trauma center. Despite all efforts, she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim’s identity has not yet been publicly released, as officials work to notify family members. No further details regarding her age or hometown have been shared at this time.
Belmar officials released a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s loved ones, calling the loss “a sobering reminder of how quickly conditions in the ocean can turn dangerous.” They also urged beachgoers to pay close attention to lifeguard instructions, posted safety flags, and surf advisories.
The Jersey Shore is a beloved summer destination, but officials stress that the ocean can pose hidden risks, even when lifeguards are present. This latest tragedy underscores the importance of swimming within designated areas, staying near lifeguards, and recognizing that rip currents and sudden shifts in surf conditions can endanger even strong swimmers.
Authorities said the investigation into the drowning remains ongoing.