BRICK, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A Jersey Shore town plans to install lightning prediction and detection equipment to protect beachgoers and staff after a lightning strike killed a lifeguard last August.
Brick officials had previously looked into lightning sensors, but the expense initially gave them pause.
However, the death of 19-year-old Keith Pinto in South Seaside Park in nearby Berkeley Township led Brick officials to revisit the idea and approve $40,000 for lightning detection in the township’s 2022 budget.
Dan Santaniello, Brick's recreation director, told NJ.com that he traveled to Marco Island, Florida to see how the Thor Guard detection system works and talked to Stafford Township, which uses the system for its athletic complex.
The system, which detects lightning within 25 miles, emits a loud horn for 30 seconds.
Stafford Township’s recreation director, Jason Hazelton, said the city officials "couldn't be happier," adding that it adds more protection by giving about 45 minutes of advanced warning.
Santaniello noted the noise could help lifeguards by convincing visitors to leave the beach as a quick-moving storm approaches with less ambiguity and potential for pushback.
According to Santaniello, the system should be installed in Brick Beach One and Brick Beach Three by mid-July.
He noted a live radar will also be available in the lifeguards’ back office, showing the heat index, wind speed and other metrics.
When the system senses an electrical current, a siren will blare and a strobe will flash red, letting beachgoers know to leave. If lightning is not detected for 30 minutes, another siren will sound along with a green strobe light, letting those on the beach know the all-clear has been given.
"We’re going to take our guys and get them into safety," Santaniello said.
Over the last 21 years, at least 18 people have reportedly been killed by lightning strikes in New Jersey, including at least five fatal strikes on the Jersey Shore.
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