Lifeguard Killed By Lightning Strike In South Seaside Park: Police

BERKELEY, NJ — A 19-year-old lifeguard was killed and seven others were injured when they were struck by lightning Monday at a beach in South Seaside Park in Berkeley Township, officials said.

Berkeley Township police responded to the 21st Avenue Beach for a report of a lightning strike around 4:30 p.m. Police determined that eight people, including four lifeguards, were either struck or injured from the residual strike, according to a news release from the department.

First aid and advanced life support were immediately rendered to the victims, police said. One of the victims, Berkeley Township lifeguard Keith Pinto, died from their injuries at the scene.

The remaining victims were taken to a local hospital for treatment, police said.

"Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguard killed by today's horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley Township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured," Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday night in a statement. “I’ve spoken to Mayor Carmen Amato and offered the full support and assistance of our administration during this difficult time.”

The incident remains under investigation.

Berkeley Township’s ocean beaches will be closed for swimming on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but open to sunbathers. Lifeguards and staff will be off the next three days. Crisis counselors will be available for beach staff employees.

“This is a tragic and heartbreaking day for our town and the entire Jersey Shore,” Amato said. “This young person was out there every day protecting the lives of others. Our lifeguard teams, like so many along the shore, develop special connections with our community throughout the summer, which makes this loss even greater.”

The tragedy marked the second time in the last two weeks that a lifeguard died on duty at the Jersey Shore.

A 16-year-old Cape May lifeguard died Aug. 20 after his patrol boat capsized in rough seas. Norman Inferrera III, 16, was rowing off Reading Avenue Beach when his patrol boat was struck by a wave and flipped over in rough surf, officials said. Inferrera was knocked unconscious when he hit his head on the boat, his family said.

He was resuscitated twice by fellow lifeguards and taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden, where he was in a coma with brain damage and multiple broken bones. He died the next night.

The last lightning-related death occurred at a golf course on June 9 in Burlington County.

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.