ASBURY PARK, New Jersey (WABC) — A terrifying accident occurred Wednesday morning at Asbury Park’s Third Avenue beach when a young lifeguard was impaled by a beach umbrella while attempting to secure it into place on her stand. The incident happened around 9:30 a.m., highlighting how unpredictable and dangerous everyday beach equipment can become in the wrong conditions.
Originally reported by ABC7NY
A Gust, a Fall, and a Serious Injury
According to fellow lifeguard Joe Bongiovanni, the 19- or 20-year-old lifeguard was standing on the top step of her lifeguard chair while setting up a large umbrella. Suddenly, a gust of wind lifted the umbrella, throwing her off balance. She fell backward from the stand — and tragically, the umbrella fell with her, its aluminum pole impaling her armpit and exiting near her scapula.
“It was just a freak thing,” Bongiovanni said. “The gust caught it, pulled it up… when she grabbed it she was off-balance… and she fell backwards off the bench.”
Immediate Action by Lifeguards and First Responders
Despite the severe injury, the lifeguard remained conscious and alert throughout. Her colleagues administered first aid on the scene until firefighters and EMS arrived. Battalion Chief Christopher Barkalow of the Asbury Park Fire Department said his team cut away most of the pole, but had to leave about a foot of it embedded in her body before transporting her to the hospital.
“She did very well,” Barkalow noted. “She was tough. She just really complained about the heat.”
The victim is now in stable condition, and this was reportedly her second year on the job.
The Hidden Dangers of Beach Umbrellas
This incident serves as a shocking reminder of the potential hazards of everyday beach gear, especially umbrellas, which can easily turn into dangerous objects in windy conditions.
At American Lifeguard USA, we stress that lifeguard safety is just as important as swimmer safety. This includes recognizing and mitigating risks not only in the water but on the stand and during setup. Training should always incorporate:
- Proper umbrella installation techniques
- Awareness of wind conditions before setup
- Guidelines on handling gear at height
- Securing umbrellas deeply in sand with anchors
- Carrying umbrellas with the pointed end down, as emphasized by local authorities
Lifeguards: Brave, Prepared, and Underrated
This young lifeguard’s quick thinking and courage under pressure illustrate the resilience and professionalism required in the role. American Lifeguard USA commends her strength and composure and encourages aquatic programs nationwide to use this incident as a teachable moment.
Lifeguards are not only rescuers in the water — they’re first responders, safety inspectors, and public educators. Their training must be comprehensive, proactive, and adapted to real-world risks like those demonstrated in this case.
Takeaways for Beachgoers and Lifeguards
- Always secure beach umbrellas properly using screw anchors or heavy bases
- Avoid setup during strong wind or sudden gusts
- Lifeguards should never work alone when setting up elevated equipment
- Train staff to recognize non-water-related hazards
Article By Avani James
Avani James is a safety-focused writer and community advocate at American Lifeguard USA, where he highlights real-life incidents to inform lifeguard training practices and promote public awareness. His work supports the development of safer beaches, empowered first responders, and smarter recreational environments.
