Pennsylvania man drowns at Wildwood Crest days after missing swimmer recovered

WILDWOOD CREST, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Police have identified a man who drowned at the Jersey Shore on Tuesday afternoon.

The Wildwood Crest Police Department identifies the victim as 53-year-old Joel Green of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

According to authorities, officers and members of Wildwood Crest Rescue responded to the area of Syracuse Road and the beach around 4 p.m. Tuesday for the report of a drowning.

Upon arrival, officers saw another beachgoer performing CPR on the drowning victim.

Green had been pulled by the water by nearby swimmers after they noticed he was unresponsive, police said.

Police continued CPR on Green until Wildwood Crest Rescue and the City of Wildwood Fire/Water Rescue crews arrived to continue life-saving measures.

Green was taken to Cape Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility.

"The Wildwood Crest Police Department extends their deepest condolences to Mr. Green's family and friends. All bathers are reminded to swim at protected beaches while lifeguards are on duty," the police department said.

Green's death comes days after the body of 19-year-old Alfred Williams of Drexel Hill, Pa. was recovered in Wildwood Crest.

The body of Alfred Williams, 19, of Drexel Hill, Pa., was recovered Saturday morning at Palm Road and the beach in the Borough of Wildwood Crest.

Police say Williams went missing after being out in the water with three other swimmers on May 31 in the area of Andrews Avenue and the beach in Wildwood. His body was recovered Saturday.

Wildwood Crest's lifeguards are only working weekends right now, so no guards were on duty on Tuesday. Daily staffing does not begin until mid-June.

Last weekend in Ocean City, 15 new guards were hired but city officials say they still need nine more. Ocean City Beach Patrol will hold another try-out on June 18th.

The president of the South Jersey Lifeguard Chiefs Association said some beach patrols are struggling to fill their staffs this summer as competition is high with less stressful jobs.

"I think people like to swim after the lifeguards go off. There's a little more freedom down there. We always insist, not insist but recommend, that they swim during the regular hours when the lifeguards are on," said Stone Harbor Fire Chief Roger Stanford.

With the remnants of Tropical Storm Alex moving through, rip current risk is moderate for Wednesday and possibly Thursday.