One of the swimmers was hospitalized. Police warned against swimming on unprotected beaches
HARVEY CEDARS -- One person was hospitalized Sunday afternoon after authorities rescued three swimmers who got caught in a rip current on Long Beach Island.
The rescue happened shortly after 2 p.m. in the ocean off 77th Street in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island, according to the borough's beach patrol.
That specific portion of the beach was unguarded, but Harvey Cedars police Chief Robert Burnaford said lifeguards do patrol rounds on quads in the off-season.
"We always urge people to swim near a lifeguard," Burnaford said. "After Labor Day ... the weather is beautiful and the water is 70 to 71 degrees, it's very inviting. People go in thinking the ocean will be calm but there's always a good chance of rip currents."
Burnaford said Sunday's rescue was a "great team effort."
Lifeguards were at the scene "within minutes," and were able to rescue the swimmers. Also responding to the scene were members of the Harvey Cedars Police Department, High Point Volunteer Fire Company, Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company and the Barnegat Light First Aid Squad.
"We work so well together," Burnaford said. "Thankfully everyone was pulled from the water successfully."
Lifeguards will be on the Middlesex Avenue beach all this week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the beach patrol said.
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.