Ocean County identified as having deadliest surf in New Jersey

An analysis of surf-zone fatality data from 2016 to 2025 identifies Ocean County as having the deadliest surf in New Jersey, with 17 recorded deaths. This figure ranks the county first in the state and ties it for ninth nationally.

Rip currents are responsible for 76% of the surf-zone deaths analyzed in New Jersey. Data indicates that September is a particularly high-risk month, accounting for 41% of the state's total fatalities during the ten-year period.

Officials are warning swimmers to exercise caution as summer ends and many lifeguards depart for the season. The report highlights specific recent tragedies, including a June incident in Ship Bottom where a 28-year-old man died after being caught in a rip current.