In Beach Haven, Ocean County, swimmers created a human chain – there was a chopper overhead and boaters nearby. Despite all their efforts, a 24-year-old man was killed in the rough waves.
Over in Belmar, police confirm more than half a dozen swimmers had to be rescued around 6 p.m. Sunday.
Chizzy Meremikwu tells Eyewitness News he was in the water when he saw the powerful wave swallow the unsuspected swimmers.
“The tide came. That’s when they got pulled in. They were in the back yelling ‘help, help!’ That’s when everybody run off the beach, calling for lifeguards,” said Meremikwu.
CPR was administered on the beach and three were eventually raced to the hospital.
“Everyone was in silence on the beach. Families, kids. Everyone was at a standstill. I never seen anything like that before,” said Joshua Davis.
“The current can get pretty strong. Drag you out if you’re not the strongest swimmer,” said Nuri Dilworth.
Up and down the Jersey Shore, there were reports of rip currents and rough waves.
At Seven Presidents Beach, they reduced the area for swimming.
Meremikwu is thankful he stayed closer to shore.
“The waves were strong, the currents were really hard,” he said.
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Why does anyone even go into the ocean anymore? Sharks, polluted water, many dangers.