8 Rescues From Long Branch Beaches Last Weekend; Lifeguards Added

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Long Branch Ocean Rescue staff performed eight rescues on unprotected beaches last weekend. City officials decided to add and reassign lifeguard staff.

Officials announced Monday they would limit parking to help rescue teams better access the beaches. But Mayor John Pallone announced Tuesday the city would instead redistribute and add lifeguards.

"In consultation with our Emergency Management Director and Ocean Rescue personnel, we have decided to reassign and add lifeguard staff to protect these beaches to eliminate the difficult response issues we had this past weekend," Pallone said in a statement.

The rescues took place on unprotected beaches from Takanassee to Park Avenue. Based on the reassignment, officials decided the original plan to reduce congestion wasn't necessary.

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