STRATHMERE, NJ (CBS) — From windy conditions to strong currents and water temperatures hovering around 50 degrees, the ocean can be a dangerous place.
“It’s cold, absolutely cold, and there’s a pretty good riptide coming over the beach,” said Alex Desantis, who dipped his toes in the ocean with his daughter.
“It’s freezing. I might dip a toe in it but that’s probably all,” said Blair Hill, who was among many who remained on the beach in Strathmere on Friday afternoon.
“Believe it or not, it’s almost July, but the water temperature is 58 degrees,” said Bruckner Chase, a lifeguard who also founded the nonprofit Ocean Positive to help create safe ocean experiences. “These conditions are really challenging right now,” he said.
If you go into the ocean now, Chase said, be warned because the cold water and rough surf can cause some swimmers to panic.
CBS News Philadelphia wondered what effects cold water temperatures can have on the human body.
“The first shock is cold water shock, so their face is in the water, they go under water, they’re gasping for air, and when they’re under water when they’re gasping for air, they’re now sucking in water,” Chase said.
CBS News Philadelphia felt the chill as we followed Chase into the ocean as he demonstrated with a dummy how quickly a person can move downstream in a strong current.
“Look how quickly he gets taken down,” Chase said.
The safest place to swim is always near a lifeguard. Chase said you need to be aware of the ever-changing circumstances, and if you see a loved one or friend in trouble, the first thing to do is make sure someone calls 911.
“Take that pause, take that calm decision and activate EMS. We want you both to come back to the beach,” he said.
Also, always make sure you know exactly where you are and be as specific as possible about where the emergency is occurring so that emergency responders can easily find you.
Ryan Hughes
