Cape May officials are re-examining the use of surfboats following the death of a teenage lifeguard earlier this month in an accident off a New Jersey shore beach.

Officials say 16-year-old Norman Inferrera III was rowing one of the boats Aug. 19 when it was broadsided by a wave and flipped over.

Reports say Cape May lifeguards won't train or use the boats for the rest of the year amid a re-examination of their role.

Some have suggested surfboats are from another era, superseded by rescue surfboards and personal watercraft, but veteran lifeguards say they still serve a vital role.

AP wire services helped contribute to this report.