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.