Mayors issue warning after evening water rescues: Don’t swim after hours

After two recent major water rescues in the Wildwoods, three mayors are urging swimmers to exercise caution in the water. 

In a statement, the North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest mayors ask that beachgoers “observe the rules and regulations of the beach before accessing the water and to never swim when lifeguards are off-duty.”

The request comes after nine swimmers were rescued from the ocean — six in North Wildwood and three in Wildwood — in two after hours incidents last weekend.

One of the victims from the Wildwood rescue later died. 

“The ocean and beach are the most beautiful, environmental assets that our communities have to offer, but it does not come without risk,” Wildwood Crest Mayor Carl Groon said in the statement. “Swimming without lifeguards on duty can be the difference between life and death.”