ANSWER Team

At 1:20PM today, the ANSWER Team responded to 3rd Ave in Bradley Beach for a report of a swimmer in distress. ANSWER Rescue Swimmers arrived on scene alongside Bradley Beach PD and determined one juvenile surfer had been pulled out in a rip current alongside the jetty. The rescue swimmers quickly entered the water and safely removed the juvenile, who was unharmed. Great work by our team members, first responders, and the bystanders who called 9-1-1!

All those who might be enjoying this late "local summer" please be aware that ocean conditions are hazardous, swells are 5-7 feet, and rip currents are being observed throughout our coverage area, including Bradley Beach, Avon, and Ocean Grove. Lifeguards are off-duty for the season, and even the most experienced swimmers can quickly be swept out by a strong rip current. If you see someone in distress, don't hesistate to call 9-1-1 and keep your eyes on the swimmers until help arrives!

Beloved first responder's legacy lives on through those he helped The longtime EMS leader's impact stretched far beyond the calls he answered.

The Route 71 bridge over Shark River is closed to marine traffic until further notice due to flooding damages from the nor'easter. Bridge Unit crews are on site round-the-clock pumping out flood water. Roadway traffic remains OPEN. Marine transit is only permitted if your vessel can safely pass under the closed bridge (8ft clearance at mean high tide).

Current conditions from the Shark River Inlet as our area is impacted by the ongoing coastal storm. Seas are 15-17’ with breaking waves approaching the beachfront throughout our service area of Avon, Bradley Beach, and Ocean Grove. All are urged to stay off the beaches and far from the water!

Coastal Storm - Friday PM Update

The entire NJ coast, including Neptune Township, has now been upgraded to "major" stage tidal flooding by the National Weather Service, beginning with tonight's high tide and continuing through the weekend. Expect flooding similar to what was seen in December 2022. The most significant tide will be Saturday morning, but all of the next several days will result in moderate to major flooding. Expect road closures due to roadway flooding tonight between 6:00PM-10:00PM, Saturday morning between 6:00AM-10:00AM, and Saturday night between 6:30PM-11:30PM.

Road closures will likely include the East End Bridge into Neptune City, South Riverside Drive, South/West Concourse, and many intersecting roads. Residents living in these areas prone to tidal flooding should move vehicles to higher ground before high tides and secure any loose items. Drivers should prepare to use Brighton Ave and West Sylvania Ave as a detour during the road closures. ***ALL DRIVERS ARE REMINDED NOT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED ROADS. IF YOU SEE WATER ON THE ROAD, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!***

Additionally, strong winds will continue into Saturday night with gusts over 55 mph possible and sustained winds of 35-45 mph. Prepare your home for the possibility of power outages and secure loose outdoor items. If you observe any downed utility lines or fallen trees blocking roads, call 9-1-1 and do not approach it. Report power outages to JCP&L.

🚩 Dangerous conditions continue in coastal Monmouth County, with heavy surf, strong winds, and multiple rounds of coastal flooding. Lifeguards in Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, and Avon are ***off-duty*** for the season, please stay out of the water. Anyone who enters the water is not only risking their own life, but the lives of the first responders who will need to attempt their rescue. Find a safe spot on the boardwalk to check out the surf, but stay far away from the water! Ocean swells are expected to reach over 13ft and all boats are urged to remain at the dock, especially small craft or inexperienced boaters.

If you observe any swimmer or boater who appears to be in distress, whether it is during the day or after-hours, call 9-1-1 immediately, provide as much detail as possible, and keep your eye on the swimmer/boater until help arrives.