Search Underway for Missing Swimmer in Cape May as Beaches Shut Down
UPDATE FROM CAPE MAY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
At approximately 8:10 a.m. on September 4, 2025, Cape May Emergency Services confirmed they were notified of a possible surf rescue in the Madison Avenue area. Cape May Beach Patrol, Cape May Police, and Cape May Fire immediately launched a search under a unified command.
Search Underway for Missing Swimmer in Cape May as Beaches Shut Down
Additional support was quickly brought in, including the United States Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police Marine Services, Townbank Fire, North Wildwood Fire, and Cape May Public Works. Private vessels Towboat U.S. and SeaTow also responded to assist.
As of late morning, search efforts remain ongoing, primarily led by USCG and NJSP Marine Services. Officials confirmed that the unaccounted-for swimmer is a female, approximately 30 to 40 years old.
Authorities are now asking anyone with information about this swimmer to contact Detective Atkins with the Cape May Police Department at 609-884-9508.
Double Red Flags Flying
On top of the search effort, Cape May officials announced that the beaches are now closed to swimmers because of rough surf and extremely dangerous rip currents. The Beach Patrol put out a strong warning:
“Please be advised that the Cape May Beach Patrol is flying Double Red flags starting today until further notice. No bathers will be allowed to enter the water due to high surf and dangerous rip currents.”
That means no one is allowed in the water until conditions improve. Even experienced swimmers can get swept away in rip currents this strong.
Why Rip Currents Are So Dangerous
If you’ve ever been knocked around by waves in Cape May, you know how powerful the ocean can be.
Rip currents are fast-moving channels of water that pull swimmers out to sea. They can move faster than an Olympic swimmer and account for nearly 80% of lifeguard rescues nationwide.
The scariest part? Rip currents often don’t look dangerous.
Also See: Wildwood Labor Day Weekend 2025 Recap – A BIG Thank you!
They can appear as calm, flat spots between breaking waves, tricking swimmers into entering the most hazardous part of the water.
Once you’re in, it’s almost impossible to swim straight back to shore.
The trick, lifeguards say, is to stay calm, float, and swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of the current. But with conditions as rough as they are today, the safest thing is to stay on the sand.
Stay Safe, Stay Dry
With Double Red flags up, Cape May Beach Patrol is making it clear: the ocean is off-limits until further notice. The search for the missing swimmer is still underway, and more updates will come as officials release information.
For now, if you’re heading to the beach, stick to walking the shoreline, enjoying the sun, and giving rescue crews the space they need to work.