Ocean Injuries Stretch Resort Emergency Responders Thin

OCEAN CITY — In the wake of one of the busiest days of the summer for beach- and surf-related injuries, Ocean City’s first responders found themselves stretched to the limit on Tuesday, forcing them to reach out to their emergency services partners for potential assistance.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Beach Patrol and the city’s team of firefighter/paramedics were extremely busy with an exceptionally dangerous shore break and associated rip currents causing multiple neck and back injuries including a handful of victims that had to be taken to area hospitals via helicopter. While the weather was clear and warm and the ocean inviting for the thousands of visitors that crammed into the resort for one of the busiest weeks of the summer, the remnants of Tropical Storm Bertha, which was passing offshore, caused major shore break and rip currents.

The heavy wave action on the beach caused huge pools of water behind the crest of the beach at the water’s edge. In many places along the beach, the conditions created a knee-deep or shallower wading pool of sorts for beachgoers to enjoy. In several places, however, the trapped water broke through the crest of the beach and created a river of water rushing back toward the ocean, creating dangerous rip currents.

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