Lightning Warning System Coming To Toms River Beaches

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River will be installing a lightning warning system for its township beaches to warn beachgoers to get off the beach when lightning is a possibility.

The Strike Guard warning system monitors cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning within up to a 20-mile radius and sounds an alarm, via a warning siren, when lightning is detected.

The sirens cover about 2,000 feet each, and the township is placing them at its two lifeguard stations, said Lou Amoruso, township business administrator. The system has been ordered and the town anticipates having it installed by July 4 weekend, he said.

"With a siren at each of our two guard stations, we will be able to cover the entire length of the municipal beach," Amoruso said.

Adding the lightning warning system takes the stress off the township's beach staff when thunderstorms are in the area. For decades lifeguards have had to contend with beachgoers who don't want to leave, especially when the threat is not obvious.

The concern has taken on more urgency since last summer, after the death of lifeguard Keith Pinto in Berkeley Township, when lightning struck on a clear, sunny day. Seven others were injured by that lightning strike.

"We've been very fortunate we've never had an incident," Amoruso said at the Township Council meeting.

According to Strike Guard, their equipment does not produce false alarms. It uses wireless technology to communicate the warning signal to the sirens. It also has the ability to use a strobe light to communicate the warnings as well.

Amoruso said it is anticipated to cost about $34,000.