ASBURY PARK, N.J. — A 19-year-old female lifeguard was seriously injured Wednesday morning after being impaled by a beach umbrella pole during a routine setup at the Asbury Park beachfront, according to city officials.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m., when the lifeguard fell approximately five feet while securing an umbrella to a lifeguard stand. The fall caused the umbrella’s 1.5-inch diameter aluminum pole to pierce her left armpit and exit through her side.
Emergency crews found the woman lying on the ground beside the stand. Firefighters used a battery-powered saw to safely cut down the umbrella while stabilizing her condition for transport.
Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support teams responded to the scene. She was transported off the beach using a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) and then taken by ambulance to the Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The woman underwent surgery to remove the pole.
Lifeguard released from hospital after surgery
Joe Bongiovanni, Asbury Park Beach Safety Supervisor, confirmed Thursday that the lifeguard has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home with her family.
“We are extremely grateful that no vital organs were injured, and we are thankful for the swift, professional actions of our lifeguards, fire personnel, and emergency responders,” Bongiovanni said.
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The city is continuing to support the lifeguard and her family. No updates have been provided on whether an internal review of beach safety protocols will follow.