Swimmer Drowns Off Seven Presidents Park In Long Branch

LONG BRANCH - The number of swimmers who have died in rip currents and rough surf on the Jersey coast this summer continues to grow.

Rescue swimmers from the Long Branch Fire Department pulled a man from the waters off the unguarded beach at Seven Presidents Park on Saturday evening, after receiving a report about a swimmer in distress off the county oceanfront park, according to app.com.

It was the second drowning on the Jersey Shore in three days. Erin Higgins, 42, Harriman, New York, died Thursday after she was rescued from turbulent surf off an unguarded beach in Asbury Park.

The National Weather Service this past week predicted high rip current risks for anyone venturing into the ocean. Waves of 4 to 6 feet were predicted on Saturday.

The rips and high surf are remnants from Hurricane Jose and Hurricane Maria.

Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty banned ocean swimming this weekend over public safety concerns.

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Photo: Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol