Lifeguard Impaled in Bizarre Beach Umbrella Accident at Jersey Shore

A day of sun and surf turned terrifying on the Jersey Shore when a lifeguard was impaled by a beach umbrella in a freak accident on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred at 3rd Avenue Beach in Asbury Park, where emergency crews responded to reports of a young woman seriously injured by a flying umbrella. According to Asbury Park Fire Chief Kevin Keddy, fellow lifeguards found the victim near the stand with a metal umbrella stake lodged through her left shoulder and protruding about a foot from the back of her arm.

"‘Tough’ is a good word to describe her," Keddy said, noting the lifeguard remained alert and conscious throughout the ordeal.

Paramedics carefully cut the umbrella shaft to safely transport her to a nearby hospital. Her current condition remains undisclosed, but she appeared stable during transport, according to officials.

The exact cause of the accident is still unclear, but Keddy emphasized the importance of properly securing umbrella stakes in the sand to prevent dangerous mishaps — a growing concern in recent years.

A 2024 report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned that wind-propelled beach umbrellas have become “too common,” leading to serious injuries and even fatalities. The agency continues to urge beachgoers to securely anchor umbrellas and remain vigilant during windy conditions.

This unsettling incident serves as a sobering reminder that even a relaxing beach day can take a dangerous turn.