Lavallette community mourns swimmer who drowned at beach
The 39-year-old man drowned after getting caught in a rip current at the beach near New York Avenue.
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The community of Lavallette is mourning a swimmer who drowned Tuesday, one day after the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The 39-year-old man drowned after getting caught in a rip current at the beach near New York Avenue.
Witnesses at the shore said they heard the man screaming for help out in the ocean. Crews responded immediately to a man in distress on New York Avenue. Authorities from local beach towns tried to help remove the man from the water, he was eventually pulled out from the ocean, but it was too late.
The man was about 25 yards out when he began struggling. He was pronounced dead after being taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River. His identity has not yet been released by police, but he was believed to be visiting from Totowa in North Jersey.
In late August, beach replenishment projects in Lavallette and nearby shore towns, as well as the aftermath of Hurricane Erin created challenging conditions to swim safely. Police tell News 12 they will add patrols on ATVs and quads during the day to try and keep people out of the water.
There are no plans to close the beaches.
Guards will return this weekend for Founders Day. The mayor is urging people to use caution when beaches are unguarded.
