56-Year-old Father Drowns While Swimming With Son in Ocean City, New Jersey

Shawn Reilly, 56, from Thorhurst Township, Pennsylvania, was swimming with his 21-year-old son near 12th street in Ocean City, New Jersey, when he started struggling and eventually drowned, according to People. They were, unfortunately, in a section of the beach not protected by lifeguards.

Police said Reilly was swept out to sea by strong currents.

The National Weather Service reported a high risk of rip currents Thursday for the entire Jersey Shore coastline, with strong northeast winds creating rough surf conditions at the time, which probably caused trouble for Reilly. 

Reilly began struggling in the water at around 12:20 p.m., seeing this, his son attempted to save him, but also got into trouble with the rough surf.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol's Rapid Response Team was alerted at approximately 12:23 p.m. that two bathers were in distress in the surf at an unprotected beach. Lifeguards were able to rescue both of them and brought them to the shore.

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Authorities exerted effort to save the drowning victims

While the son was responsive and eventually survived, Reilly was not. The three lifeguards from Ocean City Beach Patrol performed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). However, he remained unresponsive; thus, the lifeguards and Ocean City Fire Department decided to rush him to Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, where he was eventually  pronounced dead.

Ocean City Beach Patrol Captain Stephen McNamara told NBC 10 that swimming during bad weather is very dangerous as there is a high likelihood of getting drawn out and being held under the water. He suggested swimmers and bathers not venture into the water unless they see a lifeguard manning the area. 

McNamara added he believes some people like to take the chance, but he warned that even experienced swimmers struggle, so they should not take the risk when lifeguards are not present or if there is a strong wind blowing from the sea or ocean.

What to know before entering the water?

Before going for a swim, especially in open waters, the first thing to do is to check the weather forecast in your zone. You can ask the hotel or rental agency for the weather and condition of the beach forecasts before deciding to go into the water.

According to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), learning how to swim is the best defense you can use against drowning. Bathers must remember that swimming in a pool is not the same as swimming on surf beaches with strong winds and dangerous currents. Changing ocean currents and winds can immediately take all of your energy and strength.

National Weather Service also suggests knowing what the warning flags, usually found near the beach's entrance or near the lifeguard stand, means. A green flag would usually signify that water conditions are safe. It is best to find out what other colors mean. 

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