Violations Issued To Jersey Shore Beaches After Lifeguard Deaths

JERSEY SHORE, NJ — Prompted by 2021's lifeguard deaths, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) completed inspections throughout July and August on New Jersey's beaches.

The NJDOL "led an expansive effort to inspect and provide beach safety assessments to beach patrols along the state’s coastline to mitigate issues involving boat and lightning safety," throughout July and August, they said in a release.

The effort was sparked by the Aug. 2021 deaths of two lifeguards: Norman Inferrera III, 16, in Cape May, and Keith Pinto, 19, in Berkeley Township.

Inferrera died after his surfboat capsized. Pinto was killed when lightning struck his lookout tower. Both have since had the beaches where they died renamed in their honor.

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"Norman and Keith were valued young members of their communities, their squads, and this state who gave their lives in protecting their fellow New Jerseyans and guests visiting our shoreline," said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. "This beach safety initiative was a vast and critical undertaking, and as a result, our Jersey Shore destinations are now more aware and better equipped to address boating and lightning safety issues."

Following the two deaths, Compliance officers from NJDOL’s Office of Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) went to both Cape May and Berkeley to investigate safety concerns.

PEOSH learned of the potential boat- and lightning-related hazards that beach workers face and launched a "large-scale inspection project" in order to spread awareness so that future tragedies could be prevented.

Statewide, 58 inspections of beach patrols were performed in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties, NJDOL said.

NJDOL said that officers found violations relating to boat hazard assessments, boat hazard assessment certifications, lightning policies, and record keeping, but "no penalties will be assessed" as long as municipalities take steps to fix the issues.

According to a report by NJ Advance Media, 73 violations were found. Five were issued in Atlantic County, eight in Cape May County, 16 in Monmouth County and 44 in Ocean County, which had 38 recordkeeping violations, the outlet reported.

Also issued were 32 "Hazard Awareness Letters" on boat and/or lightning safety, and 26 "Orders to Comply," according to the report.

It was not specified which beach patrols were inspected and which received violations.

"We are glad the State of New Jersey agrees that safety should be our number one priority," said Captain Mark Dileo of the Surf City Beach Patrol, which earned a satisfactory inspection with zero violations, according to the NJDOL. "We maintain high standards to keep our lifeguards and our beaches safe, and this is reflected in everything we do while our lifeguards perform their daily duties, which include training, water surveillance, making rescues, and providing first aid."

PEOSH said that statewide Safety Alerts on boat and lightning safety will be released in the near future.