New jersey reports drownings at the shore over labor day weekend
New Jersey Lifeguard Chair

New Jersey Reports Drownings at the Shore Over Labor Day Weekend

Riptides and strong ocean currents were responsible for multiple rescues over Labor Day weekend. One person has been confirmed dead and one missing as a result of rough surf at the Jersey Shore.

Rip current warnings were issued all weekend by the National Weather Service, but many braved the churning waves as summer came to an unofficial end.

Powerful rip currents over the Labor Day weekend led to multiple rescues and at least two fatalities along the Jersey Shore. More than a dozen swimmers had to be pulled from the surf in locations such as Seaside Park and Belmar.

In Seaside Park, authorities continued their search for a missing man on Monday afternoon. On Long Beach Island, Stephen Houser, 35, of Toms River, captured a video showing the rescue of several swimmers by himself and nearby lifeguards after they were pulled out to sea by rip currents.

A 24-year-old man drowned in Beach Haven on Sunday, adding to the weekend’s toll.

Although Labor Day has passed, warnings for rip currents remain in effect through Tuesday night.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.