Street Renamed In Honor Of Lifeguard Killed In South Seaside Park

BERKELEY, NJ — It's been almost three years since lightning from a sudden thunderstorm struck and killed 19-year-old Keith Pinto, who was working as a lifeguard in South Seaside Park. The tragic death left a permanent mark on Berkeley Township, and now Pinto's name will continue to live on as 22nd Avenue has been renamed to "Keith Pinto Way."

Mayor John Bacchione presented the Pinto family with a proclamation for the renaming at a recent Township Council meeting, saying that they had wanted to "honor Keith's life" with the renaming.

"He loved his family and friends and was an extremely hard worker," Bacchione said of Pinto.

A year after his death, Berkeley renamed the beach where the tragic accident occurred on 22nd Avenue. That beach is now known as "Keith Pinto Memorial Beach."

"Keith was tragically killed while on duty as a lifeguard, having been fatally struck by lightning at White Sands Beach while trying to usher members of the public to safety," Bacchione said.

The new street sign was unveiled Tuesday.

A lifelong Toms River resident, Pinto worked as a lifeguard in Berkeley for four years. He graduated from Toms River High School North in 2020 and was in his second year at Ocean County College when he died.

"While it was a sad reminder today of Keith's passing, it was also a good day to know that he will always be remembered here in Berkeley Township," Bacchione said Tuesday. "His legacy will live on through the countless lives Keith touched and the impact he left on everyone in this community. We hope this brings some peace to the Pinto family."