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(Asbury Park, NJ) — The town’s fire chief calls her one tough woman. She also got very lucky that it wasn’t worse. On Wednesday, the victim — in her late teens — was setting up on the lifeguard stand in Asbury Park. A gust of wind blew the lifeguard from the stand, and an umbrella impaled her through the armpit — coming out her back.
A few inches to the side, and it might have gone through her chest.
It happened on the beach near Third Avenue in Asbury Park on Wednesday morning. The six-foot pole pierced through her armpit, with around one inch of the six-foot pole entering her — according to fire officials. It had to be cut into pieces before the lifeguard could be taken to the hospital. She never lost consciousness throughout.
Officials remind beachgoers to always properly secure their umbrellas when placing them in the sand — because a swift gust of wind could leave them airborne — turning them into flying javelins. Also, they should always be carried with the pointy end facing down.
