It was a deadly weekend in the water along the Jersey Shore. Two people drowned over the course of the weekend, and the search is still going on for another swimmer who has not been found, casting a somber note over the early days of the beach season.
The first death came on Saturday night. A 28 year old man drowned in a rip current off Ship Bottom, caught in the kind of fast-moving current that can pull even strong swimmers away from shore.
A second tragedy unfolded only a short time later. Hours after the first drowning, a 23 year old from Palmyra disappeared beneath the surface in Seaside Park, slipping out of sight of those nearby.
The search for that swimmer has continued without success. Coast Guard and local crews have been looking for him but have not found him, leaving his fate uncertain as the effort goes on.
People on the shore spoke of how quickly the water can turn dangerous. One beachgoer noted that a lot of people, especially young people, get caught up in the moment and go out into the water without thinking twice about it.
The hidden hazards are part of what makes the situation so frightening. Residents described how rip currents and undertows are there beneath the surface, able to pull a swimmer right down before they realize what is happening.
In the wake of the deaths, officials are stressing caution. Authorities are urging swimmers to check for lifeguards before going into the water, a simple step they hope can prevent further tragedies along the shore.