Lifeguard hospitalized after being impaled by umbrella in New Jersey

In the morning of June 25, 2025, a lifeguard on duty at Asbury Park's 3rd Avenue Beach in New Jersey was injured in a freak accident when a six-foot beach umbrella stake impaled her through the shoulder. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. EDT while the unidentified lifeguard, believed to be in her early twenties, was setting up for the day. Eyewitness reports indicated that strong winds caused the umbrella, which was not adequately secured, to become airborne and strike her. Colleagues quickly rushed to her aid as bystanders alerted emergency services. First responders arrived to find the young woman on the ground with approximately one foot of the umbrella stake protruding from her left shoulder. Medical personnel, including EMTs and firefighters, administered initial care before stabilizing her condition. Fire Chief Kevin Keddy stated that they had to cut the umbrella stake at both entry and exit points to facilitate the transportation of the injured woman to the hospital. During her transfer, she remained conscious and alert, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite the severity of the injury. After the incident, the lifeguard was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for further evaluation and treatment. Although her condition at that time was uncertain, Keddy noted that she was in good spirits when emergency services handed her over to hospital staff. This accident has raised concerns regarding the safety of beach umbrellas when subjected to high winds. Keddy urged beachgoers to ensure their umbrellas are securely anchored in the sand and to be mindful of weather conditions that could lead to similar dangerous situations. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has previously issued warnings about hazards associated with airborne umbrellas. They have advised consumers to ensure their beach umbrella anchors comply with safety standards for wind resistance. With an increasing number of reported incidents involving airborne umbrellas leading to injuries, safety precautions have never been more important for beach safety. Lifeguards and beachgoers alike must stay vigilant to prevent potential accidents as such incidents can have severe consequences.