Lifeguards make 14 rescues at Manasquan beach

<p>Lifeguards in Manasquan rescued at least 14 swimmers Wednesday as Hurricane Gert caused rough ocean conditions.</p>

News 12 Staff

Aug 16, 2017, 10:11 AM

Updated 2,588 days ago

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Lifeguards in Manasquan rescued at least 14 swimmers Wednesday as Hurricane Gert caused rough ocean conditions.
The National Weather Service previously issued rip current warnings due to the intense ocean conditions. Beaches across the Jersey Shore had red flags up and urged swimmers to use caution.
Manasquan lifeguard officials say that of the 14 rescues, 10 were children. No swimmers or lifeguards were hurt during the rescues.
Several beaches across the state opted to keep lifeguards on duty later than normal due to the conditions. Lifeguards typically go off duty around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Manasquan decided to keep four lifeguards on late as a precaution to patrol the beach.
“What we try to do is be proactive as well as reactive as lifeguards,” says lifeguard Jimmy Kinneally. “Try to keep people from getting into dangerous positions to begin with. It’s mentally tasking to keep on top of the game. Everyone did a great job today.”
Lifeguards say that they expect conditions to be improved Thursday as the storm moves further away from the New Jersey shoreline. But they do caution swimmers to only swim when lifeguards are on duty.
At least six people have died this summer in New Jersey after they were caught in rip currents.