Ocean City Mayor Urges Beach Safety Education After Swimmer Goes Missing

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Mayor Jay Gillian used a public meeting to urge residents and visitors to treat ocean conditions seriously after a swimmer went missing.

Last week, a man was swept off his boogie board and has not been found. Read more: Search For Missing Ocean City Swimmer Becomes Recovery Mission

Gillian said people often hear warnings about rip tides and other hazards, but calm-looking water can still be dangerous. He said visitors coming from other places may not realize that ocean water conditions and temperatures can differ and that risks can exist below the surface.

“You know, the ocean can be dangerous at times and it can be beautifully calm out” but currents underneath the surface are still dangerous, Gillian said.

He said the town had spoken with the family and had said it would mention the incident publicly if it could help educate relatives, friends and beachgoers. Gillian said the town could provide security and take other precautions, but that some situations can develop quickly.

Gillian closed by returning to the message of prevention, saying that beach safety education should be a priority for families and friends visiting the shore.

“Things can happen so quick and it's just whatever we can do. Education is a big thing,” Gillian said.