WILDWOOD, N.J. — Nine swimmers were rescued from the ocean Sunday evening after becoming caught in dangerous currents during two back-to-back emergencies near Schellenger and Poplar avenues, according to the Wildwood Beach Patrol.
The rescues occurred at approximately 7:47 p.m., after regular lifeguard hours, when members of the beach patrol’s after-hours response team joined Wildwood police and fire personnel to respond to multiple reports of swimmers in distress.
Nine swimmers pulled safely from the surf
Officials said the two incidents unfolded within minutes of each other near the popular beach access points at Schellenger Avenue and Poplar Avenue.
A total of nine swimmers were safely brought back to shore after struggling against ocean currents and being unable to return to the beach on their own. No information about injuries or medical treatment was immediately released.
The coordinated rescue involved the Wildwood Beach Patrol, Wildwood Fire Department and Wildwood Police Department.
Officials repeat: ‘No lifeguard, no swimming’
Following the rescues, the Wildwood Beach Patrol reminded residents and visitors that entering the ocean after lifeguards leave for the day can quickly become life-threatening, even when conditions appear calm.
Officials urged beachgoers to follow the department’s longstanding safety message: “No lifeguard, no swimming.”
Visitors are encouraged to swim only at beaches protected by active lifeguard stands during posted operating hours and to avoid entering the water in the evening or whenever lifeguards are not on duty.
The pair of rescues serves as another reminder that dangerous rip currents and changing surf conditions can develop quickly along the Jersey Shore, particularly outside of supervised swimming hours.
Photo and video by Wildwood Beach Patrol
