Big changes are coming to beaches in Seaside Heights following a drowning Monday evening. Mayor Tony Vaz says he will close the beaches on rough water days after lifeguards go home between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

A family of five visiting from Trenton went into the ocean Monday after hours, but only four survived. A 31-year-old man died at the hospital after crews tried saving him.

“The ocean is a dangerous playground and, unfortunately, we saw it last night with a poor kid with his wife on the beach watching him drown. It's not good,” said Seaside Heights Police Chief Tommy Boyd.

In response, beaches will close on rough days between 5 and 6 p.m. and at 7 p.m. on calm days.

“I'm sorry, but I'd rather have you mad at us for closing the beach at 7 p.m. than having someone die,” said Vaz.

Eileen Russo, vacationing from Wanaque, witnessed the rescue unfold on Webster Avenue and agrees with the mayor’s decision.

“It was horrible to watch…every summer there's more than one tragedy down here and it has to end,” said Russo.

Eileen’s 20-year-old son, Robert, also says closing the beaches after lifeguards leave on dangerous days is a good decision.

“Ever since I was a toddler, my mother told me how dangerous rip currents could be and in seconds you can be out at sea,” said Robert Russo.

“I don't care who gets mad at me. I'm closing the beach. If it's endangerment, I hate to say this, sue me,” added Vaz.

The mayor also announced warning signs written in Spanish will also be placed alongside the English signs at beach entrances along the boardwalk in the coming weeks, because in many situations, including on Monday, the victims only spoke Spanish.