With beaches opening for the season, lifeguards in Asbury Park are emphasizing safety to prevent drownings, which claim over 4,000 lives annually in the U.S., according to local officials.

Asbury Park has about 50 lifeguards this year, up from past shortages.

Joe Bongiovanni, beach safety supervisor, says drownings on guarded beaches are rare but frequent on unguarded ones or after hours.

Bongiovanni warns that currents near jetties or piers can be dangerous, pulling swimmers out to sea, officials said. He advises staying calm and floating on your back if caught in a rip current until help arrives, as lifeguards are equipped with rescue cans, lifelines, and paddleboards.

He stressed that open beaches don’t always mean safe swimming conditions.