Search continues for missing swimmer at Seaside Park beach
Officials urge beachgoers to stay out of the water as crews search for a 23-year-old Palmyra man reported missing Friday evening.
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Crews have continued searching for a swimmer reported missing Friday off the beach at Decatur Avenue in Seaside Park.
The Seaside Park Fire Chief urged beachgoers to stay out of the water, reminding the public that lifeguards are not yet working full time.
He noted that lifeguard stands on the beach are not staffed full time, meaning swimmers are largely on their own if they enter the surf.
RELATED: 23-year-old swimmer goes missing off the coast of Seaside Park
The search follows what officials described as the third drowning incident reported at New Jersey beaches before the official start of the summer season.
Police said a 23-year-old man from Palmyra was reported missing at about 5:30 p.m. Friday. While the water was calm and cold, there was reportedly a rip current in the area.
RELATED: Search for missing swimmer in Seaside Park suspended for night
Regular visitors to the beach said they were surprised anyone was entering the water given the cold temperatures.
"I think the water temperature is freezing. I think it won't get warmer until later in the season maybe late July, August and the water was super rough coming but yesterday it was calmer," said Jennifer Black of Belleville.
In addition to the Seaside Park incident, swimmers have also been reported missing in Wildwood and Surf City.
