So very sad, another young man has lost his life. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Bestavros

Sincerest condolensces to the friends and family. Part of this tragedy is that a beach like Seaside should have lifeguards working from at least Memorial Day until Labor Day. People pay to use the beach, so why start staffing lifeguards almost 3 weeks after the season begins? Such a tragedy.

Very sad news, but we really can't blame the town, it was clear that no lifeguards were on duty. SSHeights does have lifeguards on duty starting memorial day, but SSPark doesn't. Also, you don't have to pay to use the beach until lifeguards are on duty....still very sad news, but lets not blame anyone

Unfortunately there does not seem to be anyone to blame but the swimmer himself. It is very sad, and my heart goes out to his family. The problem seems to be that some do not want to pay for the beach badge, so they go after lifeguards have gone for the day, and thus, can get on the beach for free. Or maybe he worked all day and wanted to go in for a late swim. Whatever the case, we puny humans need to respect the mighty ocean and stay out of the water when lifeguards are not on duty. The ocean can be deadly...the waters/waves are ALWAYS stronger than they appear. I pray his loss is not in vain...and will help serve as a warning to other 'late swimmers' not to take a chance in the ocean with no lifeguards on duty.

The article only says 'afternoon' which is after 12 noon - not late afternoon or after work -

Anytime you're going into the ocean (whether lifeguards on duty or not), you should always be cautious of strong riptides by first checking the condition of the surf. It definately seems that the local beaches (ocean and monmouth cty) have higher incidences of strong riptide related injuries/fatalaties then the beaches located further south (Cape May County). I know all my childhood we spent our summers at the Wildwood Beaches, and there was (almost)never the worry about problems with strong riptides (at Wildwood beaches, you can walk 50', 60' even 70'+ into the ocean, and usually you are still only waist, or chest deep). Once I moved to Ocean County and started seeing the local surf, I noticed the dangers of riptides and rough surf almost immediately. That being said, I believe that one a local beach begins collecting fees to go to their respective beach, then that beachtown is obligated to have active Lifeguards on Duty while the Beach is open. There's no excuse to wait until June 22nd to have Lifeguards on Duty, while the town has been collecting beach fees (revenue) since Memorial Day weekend (or even earlier). Shame on Seaside for not having active Lifeguards on Duty, during a beatiful June afternoon!....I'm sure Civil action will follow, but nothing can ease the hurt over the loss of this vacationing youth!

Definetly sucks go with the current swim parallel to beach

I am friends with some ssp lifeguards and they told me that they were not planning to work until Saturday and that their boss wanted to have lifeguards on duty but the town said no.

Their Captian foresaw a real danger this week because of the rips, water temp, and weather. It is shame he was told no by the Town when he asked to have guards on duty this week.

Noone should be allowed to go in the ocean. It is just too dangerous. Pass a law that you can not go in past your ankles. If you want to swim, get a pool, or join the YMCA>

maybe they should put different color flags indicating the undertow.and the sevarity of the ocean