Lifeguard Impaled by Beach Umbrella in Asbury Park: A Stark Reminder of Summer Safety
On the morning of June 25, 2025, a routine day at Asbury Park's 3rd Avenue Beach turned into a harrowing experience for 18-year-old lifeguard Alex.
Originally reported by Patrick Reilly for the New York Post
On the morning of June 25, 2025, a routine day at Asbury Park's 3rd Avenue Beach turned into a harrowing experience for 18-year-old lifeguard Alex. While attempting to secure a beach umbrella to her lifeguard stand, a sudden gust of wind dislodged the umbrella. In an effort to prevent it from flying away, Alex reached out, lost her balance, and fell onto the umbrella's metal pole. The six-foot-long stake pierced through her left armpit and exited near her shoulder blade, protruding approximately a foot.
Emergency responders acted swiftly. Firefighters used a bandsaw to carefully cut both ends of the pole, ensuring Alex could be transported safely to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Remarkably, the pole missed major arteries and tendons by mere centimeters, sparing her from life-threatening injuries.
Alex remained conscious and composed throughout the ordeal. Reflecting on the incident, she expressed gratitude for the outcome, stating, "I was very lucky where it hit me because it missed every major blood vessel and it just went through my muscles." Her resilience and calm demeanor earned her praise from colleagues and emergency personnel alike.
This incident underscores the potential dangers of unsecured beach equipment. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 3,000 people are injured annually by wind-blown beach umbrellas. Beachgoers are advised to ensure umbrellas are anchored securely and to remain vigilant, especially on windy days.
Alex is expected to make a full recovery and has expressed her eagerness to return to her lifeguarding duties after a six-week hiatus. Her experience serves as a poignant reminder of the unforeseen hazards that can arise, even during routine activities.
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Lifeguard training programs can be taken anywhere, and are utilized by individuals, schools, universities and community pools both here in the United States and abroad. The American Lifeguard Association and American Red Cross is one of only a few national certifying agencies for lifeguards. TheU.S. Department of Laborhas determined that the American Lifeguard Association offers lifeguard certification programs similar to those provided by the American Red Cross.
Author Bio
Benjamin owen leo is a seasoned journalist and safety advocate based in the United States. With over a decade of experience covering public safety and human interest stories, John is dedicated to shedding light on incidents that offer valuable lessons for communities worldwide. His work emphasizes the importance of awareness and preparedness in everyday situations.
