Lifeguards Save Three From Turbulent Waters Off Loveladies In Long Beach Township

Lifeguards and emergency responders from beach patrols up and down Long Beach Island saved the lives of three swimmers caught in a "large and powerful rip" off the coast of Loveladies on Sunday.

The swimmers had entered the water on an unguarded beach and quickly got into trouble, according to the Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol Facebook page.

"All were brought safely to shore," the Facebook page states. "Only swim on guarded beaches. Multiple other rescues on guarded beaches today could have ended differently if lifeguards were not present."

The Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol, Harvey Cedars police, the Long Beach Township Beach Patrol, Long Beach Township, the High Point Volunteer Fire Department, the Barnegat Light First Aid Squad, and the Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Department responded.

The National Weather Service had called for a moderate risk of rip currents today, with wave heights of 3 to 4 feet.

Photo: Courtesy of Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol.