Two swimmers rushed to hospital from Asbury Park

ASBURY PARK - Two distressed swimmers were taken to the hospital Wednesday afternoon, including one female who was unconscious, according to fire department spokesman Garrett M. Giberson.

Giberson said firefighters were notified at 3:11 p.m. Wednesday that two swimmers were spotted in the water in distress at the beach near Deal Lake Drive.

Upon arriving one male swimmer was located on the beach and two firefighters entered the water in search of the second swimmer, who several witnesses reported was still submerged. You can see a video of the scene above.

The Rising?: Former Esperanza site rising again in Asbury Park

The female victim was then spotted closer to the shore and retrieved from the water by firefighter Christian Stevens. She is a 42-year-old Asbury Park resident, Giberson said. He said firefighters and paramedics were able to regain a pulse on the woman en route to the hospital and that she is in critical condition.

The male swimmer was also taken to the hospital. His condition was unknown but he was conscious at the scene.

Giberson said members of the public need to stay out of the waters near the beach due to the dangerous rip currents and conditions being caused offshore by Tropical Storm Jose. The effect of Jose at the Shore is highlighted in the video below.

"The message is stay out of the water," Giberson said. "I can’t express it enough, there are no lifeguards on duty. They’re off duty the season has ended, The water is going to be dangerous for several days now."

Austin Bogues 732-643-4009; abogues@gannettnj.com

CLEARED: Ex-Asbury Park school board member's voter fraud charges dropped