Rough surf leads to rescues at the shore

SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- It was a windy day on the beaches and a rough day in the ocean at the Jersey shore on Saturday.

In Sea Isle City guards kept swimmers close to shore. In Ocean City officials say lifeguards had to make several rescues, though no serious injuries were reported. And in Stone Harbor the beach patrol kept a close watch on swimmers in the rough conditions.

The high winds and rough waves didn't keep folks out of the water. But lifeguards made sure they stayed only waist deep on this Labor Day weekend.

Karen Bartels of Chester Springs tells us, "The waves are coming from every direction. I was doing some swimming even, they whistled at me and called me back. I apparently was breaking the rules."

Captain Sandy Bosacco from the Stone Harbor Beach Patrol explains, "The rough water arrived with the larger crowds. So they (lifeguards) have their hands full today."

Beach patrol officials say waves swelled to four feet, and the risk for rip currents is high.

Folks who braved the water say you have to stay alert.

Maureen Horesh of Lionville, Pa. says, "The undertow's pulling. You can feel your toes sinking down, and if you're not paying attention, you're moving down the beach."

Stone Harbor Beach Patrol also said no boogie boards today - all in the name of safety.

Captain Bosacco says, "When we have a quiet day it's really not by chance. It's because the guards were keeping things under control."

Lifeguards expect conditions to be a little calmer on Sunday. But they still warn swimmers to be cautious and to heed the warnings of the lifeguards for the rest of the weekend.