Asbury Park, NJ (July 19, 2025)

A routine morning at Asbury Park’s Third Avenue Beach took a frightening turn when a lifeguard in her early 20s was impaled by a flying beach umbrella. The woman, stationed at a city lifeguard stand and fully alert at the time, was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center. Fortunately, authorities confirmed she is expected to survive.

This post, inspired by Anthony G. Attrino’s reporting, examines the incident and explores crucial lessons for beach safety and lifeguard preparedness.

1. The Umbrella Incident: What Happened

At approximately 9:30 a.m., gale-free winds—a typical summer breeze—lifted a six-foot umbrella which struck the lifeguard, penetrating from her left armpit through to her shoulder blade. First responders, led by Battalion Fire Chief Christopher Barkalow, arrived on site to find her conscious and responsive. Because the umbrella pole couldn’t be easily removed, it was carefully sawed into smaller sections before she was safely transported to the hospital.

2. Safety Protocols and Immediate Medical Response

Quick thinking and rapid intervention by rescue personnel were pivotal. The fire chief underscored that the victim remained lucid throughout extraction, easing transport. This incident offers a stark reminder to all beachgoers and lifeguard teams: maintain vigilance over loose gear, regularly check for unsecured equipment, and ensure emergency tools—like pole cutters—are ready. The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) recommends conducting routine safety audits at lifeguard stands to minimize on‑duty hazards.

3. ALA Guidelines on Beach Equipment Safety

The ALA outlines clear protocols for securing umbrellas, tents, and temporary shade structures, especially on windy days. Anchoring equipment using proper weights or stakes, and regularly inspecting fastenings, are essential precautions. Regular training drills should also simulate scenarios where equipment impalement or falls could occur, enabling lifeguards to respond both preventively and reactively.

4. Training Imperatives for Lifeguards

Beyond lifesaving skills, lifeguards must receive regular training on hazard recognition and equipment risk management. ALA courses now incorporate modular lessons where guards identify potential risks—like unsecured umbrellas—and practice corrective actions. Empowering lifeguards to proactively secure gear can help avert dangerous incidents.

5. Public Awareness: Shared Responsibility on Beaches

Beach safety isn’t just the lifeguard’s job. Visitors need to share responsibility by securing umbrellas, tents, and other gear before leaving or during erratic wind patterns. ALA suggests posting visible signage near entrances or having guards intermittently remind beachgoers of best practices. Community education campaigns—especially at peak summer events—can further spread awareness.

6. Engineering Solutions: Umbrella Design Innovations

Addressing gear-related hazards may require collaboration with manufacturers. Some modern beach umbrellas boast reinforced poles, safety release designs, or integrated sand screws—making them safer in windy conditions. ALA encourages municipalities and beach vendors to standardize safer models. Investing in protective, ergonomic equipment can reduce the risk of accidental impalements while maintaining shade for visitors.

7. Incident Review: Policy Adjustments & Best Practices

Asbury Park is now assessing its current beach equipment policies. Recommendations include increasing frequency of equipment checks, mandating wind-speed measurements, and instituting pre-opening inspections. The umbrella incident serves as a wake-up call: lifeguarding policy must evolve to consider equipment-related dangers alongside swimmer rescues.

8. Looking Forward: Prioritizing Lifeguards’ Safety

While swimmers often remain the focus of lifeguard duty, protecting the guards themselves is equally vital. Advice from the American Lifeguard Association now stresses creating “lifeguard safe zones” free of spectator or equipment hazards. This fosters an environment where defenders of public safety can carry out their work without undue risk.

In Summary

The impalement accident at Third Avenue Beach was a rare but alarming event. Thanks to rapid emergency response and the lifeguard’s own resilience, the outcome is not fatal. But this scenario underscores that environmental hazards—from umbrellas to other beach paraphernalia—require new safety measures. Under guidance from the American Lifeguard Association, beach operators, municipal authorities, lifeguards, and visitors must adopt proactive habits. Whether that means regular inspections, better-designed equipment, or public education, beach safety works best when everyone plays a part.

About the Author and Editor

Anthony G. Attrino first reported on this incident for NJ.com, shedding light on the medical facts and investigation status as they developed.

Harlan Elio brings additional insight by integrating ALA safety standards and forward‑thinking strategies for lifeguard and beach gear safety.

About the Author:
Harlan Elio is a certified lifeguard instructor and beach safety enthusiast dedicated to promoting public-safety education, hazard prevention, and risk management on shorelines worldwide.