The search for a missing swimmer along the Jersey
Shore is now a recovery mission.
Police say the man went swimming Tuesday at
a beach in Wildwood that did not have any lifeguards on duty.
Rescue crews scoured the coast near Wildwood
yesterday after a call came in for four swimmers in distress. Officers say the
group went swimming when lifeguards were not on the beach. Three people were
rescued, but crews are still looking for the fourth.
In Ocean Grove, officials say it's important to
remember how rapidly things can turn for the worse in the water.
"Can't emphasize it enough, when the
lifeguards are not on duty stay out of the water,” says Jamie Jackson, Ocean
Grove Camp Meeting Association executive director. “It can look inviting,
but it can turn so dangerous so quickly."
Lifeguards are on duty in Ocean Grove every
weekend. They return for every day of the week starting Father’s Day weekend.
The schedules for lifeguards vary in different beach towns, but
officials say it's important to know before you go.
"Even when the lifeguards are on duty, we
have a saying here, 'Swim near the lifeguards,'" says
Jackson. “You just can't go wrong with one of our lifeguards having an eye on
the water and watching you, it's the safe way to go."
Officers remind people that many beaches in New
Jersey are not fully staffed with lifeguards at this point in the season.