Rip-Current Rescues Keep Lifeguards Busy Along Oceanfront

Despite repeated warnings and reports of rip currents, lifeguards along the Jersey Shore's beaches were kept busy pulling distressed swimmers from the rough surf this past weekend.

Reports of rescues were steady all day, but two led to injuries:

In the Ocean Beach section of Toms River, five people were reported to be in distress in the afternoon, Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said.

"A 27-year-old Scotia, N.Y., man was rescued along with two other swimmers who were caught in a rip at East Sea Way," Mastronardy said. The man was rescued by six off-duty lifeguards and a surfer and was brought to shore within 10 minutes of the distressed swimmer call being received, he said.

The man was taken to Community Medical Center, Toms River, to be checked out afterward, Mastronardy said.

A later incident in South Seaside Park reportedly involved seven swimmers, two of whom were injured. Few details were available on the incident.

Authorities continue to stress that beachgoers need to follow lifeguards' instructions at beaches where guards are present, and that people should not swim at unguarded beaches, as even the best swimmers can be at risk of injury in rip currents. The presence of a red flag indicates the beach is closed to swimming.

Lifeguards will be on duty daily in Island Beach State Park now, officials said. Saturday was the first day of week-round staffing. But other areas, including Midway Beach in the South Seaside Park section of Berkeley, are not staffed full-time.

Rough surf and rip current advisories are expected to continue through Sunday.