Rip current risk high at the Jersey shore, beach patrols urge caution

VENTNOR, N.J. (WPVI) -- Swimmers at the Jersey shore faced strong rip currents and challenging waves Thursday, prompting lifeguards to stay vigilant and beach patrol officials to issue warnings about ocean safety.

While the ocean offered relief from the heat, many beachgoers found the conditions too intense for extended swimming.

"The temperature is beautiful," said Tracy Spivack of Wynnewood, Pa., but added, "It's really pulling. It's really pulling to the right."

Jan Seben of Fairlawn, N.J., described his struggle in the water: "I tried to swim against the current, against the waves. It was impossible. It was just blowing me away."

Ventnor Beach Patrol lifeguards allowed swimmers into the water but kept them close to shore, using whistles to alert those drifting too far.

"Anytime the ocean kicks up, we want people to exercise extreme caution when going in the water, but they always should be in the water in front of lifeguards," said Chief David Funk of the Ventnor Beach Patrol.

Funk emphasized the heightened risk of rip currents, which can pull swimmers out to sea.

He recounted a recent incident over the weekend when lifeguards responded to an emergency just after 6 p.m., after regular patrol hours. "When they arrived on scene they encountered bystanders doing CPR on someone they pulled out of the water. Our lifeguards took over," Funk said.

The man was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The cause of the incident remains unclear.

Funk urged swimmers to avoid the ocean when lifeguards are off duty. "Going in the water when lifeguards are not on duty - it's a huge risk," he said.

With hot temperatures expected to continue into the weekend, officials are encouraging beachgoers to stay safe and swim only under lifeguard supervision.