A summer evening at the Jersey Shore turned tragic on Friday when emergency crews responded to reports of swimmers in distress near 8th Avenue Beach in Belmar.
Officials say the incident began shortly after 7 p.m., when lifeguards and water rescue teams were called to pull a young boy from the surf. He was rescued and brought safely to shore. Moments later, responders learned of another swimmer—described only as a female—who had not resurfaced.
What followed was a massive multi-agency search. Lifeguards, police, firefighters, and the U.S. Coast Guard scoured the water and sky using surfboards, rescue boats, drones, and even a Coast Guard helicopter in a desperate attempt to find her. Witnesses said she had been swimming with two friends, who managed to make it out of the water.
Eventually, the missing female was located and brought to shore. CPR was immediately initiated, and a helicopter was requested to airlift her to a trauma center. Despite the urgent efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The identity of the victim has not yet been released, and authorities have not provided further details about the circumstances leading up to the incident.
The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the ocean’s unpredictable and powerful nature. Even in the presence of lifeguards and rescue resources, conditions can shift quickly, turning a routine swim into a life-threatening emergency.
Belmar officials expressed condolences to the victim’s loved ones and urged beachgoers to remain vigilant and aware of safety flags and lifeguard warnings.
