abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Spring Lake, NJ

Home Care Spring Lake, NJ

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Spring Lake Clock gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Spring Lake, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Spring Lake, NJ

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”

susan A.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”

Josie J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”

Pamgoldberg
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”

Theodore S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Leta J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”

Carla500226
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”

Judy367738
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”

Nancy176801

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Spring Lake, NJ?

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Spring Lake, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Spring Lake, NJ

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Spring Lake, NJ
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Spring Lake, NJ
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Divine Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Spring Lake, NJ
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Amelia's By the Sea or visit Spring Lake Historical Society, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Spring Lake, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Spring Lake, NJ

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Spring Lake, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Spring Lake, NJ

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NJ's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Spring Lake, NJ

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Spring Lake, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Spring Lake, NJ

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Spring Lake, NJ

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • The Arbors at Spring Lake
  • Wellington Estates Assisted Living
  • Spring Lake Home Care LLC
Home Care Spring Lake, NJ

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Spring Lake, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Spring Lake, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Spring Lake, NJ

Latest News in Spring Lake, NJ

Experience the Heart of Spring Lake: Highlights from the 22nd Annual Taste of Spring Lake Kitchen Tour!

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Kim CroninSPRING LAKE, NJ - The 22nd Annual “Taste of Spring Lake” Kitchen Tour was a celebration of community, tradition, and generosity, bringing together over 1,000 participants who eagerly walked and rode through the picturesque streets of Spring Lake. This year's event showcased eight beautifully designed homes, each offering a glimpse into the ...

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Kim Cronin

SPRING LAKE, NJ - The 22nd Annual “Taste of Spring Lake” Kitchen Tour was a celebration of community, tradition, and generosity, bringing together over 1,000 participants who eagerly walked and rode through the picturesque streets of Spring Lake. This year's event showcased eight beautifully designed homes, each offering a glimpse into the heart of the town’s rich heritage. The tour wasn’t just an opportunity to admire stunning kitchens and architectural craftsmanship—it was also a significant fundraising event with all proceeds benefiting the students of H.W. Mountz School.

H.W. Mountz Principal Dan Layton expressed his deep gratitude, saying, “I’m so thankful to all the patrons who supported this unique event that directly benefits the teachers and students of H.W. Mountz. The funds raised help cover special educational programs and events, enriching the students' learning experience.” His words underscored the profound impact the event has on the school, as the funds raised, contribute to meeting various educational needs that go beyond the standard curriculum.

The “Taste of Spring Lake” Kitchen Tour has become a cherished tradition, attracting people from across New Jersey each year. It offers attendees a delightful combination of home tours, culinary demonstrations, and the warmth of community spirit. What truly sets this event apart is the overwhelming support it receives from the Spring Lake community, with local residents, businesses, and volunteers coming together to make it happen.

Many of the homes on the tour belong to people who have a deep-rooted connection to Spring Lake, having grown up visiting the area and creating childhood memories of long, sunny beach days and the town’s close-knit culture. Now, as homeowners, they are proud to open their doors to support the local school and its students. Each home featured a professional chef in the kitchen, generously donating their time and culinary talents to prepare delicious samples for theattendees. Local florists also contributed by providing gorgeous floral arrangements that adorned the homes, adding an extra layer of charm and elegance to the tour.

Throughout the day, hundreds of volunteers could be seen bustling around town, welcoming guests, assisting homeowners, and guiding participants from house to house. The famous Spring Lake Trolley, sponsored by The Shore Club, offered complementary rides for attendees, adding a touch of nostalgia to the experience as it meandered through the streets of the charming coastal town.

One of the highlights of the event was the involvement of the students themselves. The H.W. Mountz students played an integral role in the day’s festivities by creating paintings that were proudly displayed in the auditorium where guests picked up their tour tickets and goody bags. These young artists added their own personal touch, showcasing their creativity and love for their school. Additionally, the students were tasked with writing thoughtful and eloquent synopses of each home featured on the tour. Their narratives, which included personal details about the homeowners’ ties to Spring Lake, unique aspects of the homes, and the students’ own comments. Eddie H., Class of 2025 wrote, “have you ever wondered how you would want your dream house designed? Well, now I know what my dream house would look like.”

The involvement of the students was especially meaningful, as it emphasized their awareness of how the community's support positively impacts their school. From art displays to written descriptions, the students’ contributions were a testament to the bond they share with their school and the broader Spring Lake community.

The 22nd Annual “Taste of Spring Lake” Kitchen Tour was a remarkable success, offering a perfect blend of charitable giving, local culture, and community pride. It was a vivid demonstration of what makes Spring Lake such a special place—where neighbors come together, not just to showcase beautiful homes, but to foster a sense of belonging and purpose. For many, attending the tour is a dream fulfilled, and for those already lucky enough to call Spring Lake home, it’s a reminder of why this town holds such a special place in their hearts.

Find TAPinto Gold Coast on FACEBOOK Sign up for E-mail News Alerts and, under town, select GOLD COAST.

Plan to add cell towers along another Jersey Shore beach faces backlash

A proposal to install 5G cell towers in another Jersey Shore town is facing a backlash.Verizon Wireless wants to install six cell towers in Spring Lake, a small borough along the Jersey Shore in Monmouth Co...

A proposal to install 5G cell towers in another Jersey Shore town is facing a backlash.

Verizon Wireless wants to install six cell towers in Spring Lake, a small borough along the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County. But, the company faced opposition during a recent public meeting.

The towers, which resemble large street lights, are proposed to be installed along Ocean Avenue, a county road near the beach. The cell towers’ heights would be a maximum of either 35 feet or 110% of heights of structures in the “surrounding streetscapes,” according to the company’s application.

About 150 residents attended a public information session on the plan held during a borough council meeting last week. All who spoke were against the proposal, according to TAPinto Gold Coast, a local news outlet covering Spring Lake and neighboring municipalities.

Verizon submitted a request to the borough in January seeking approval for a waiver to install the towers, the outlet reported. The borough shares jurisdiction over the road with Monmouth County, but the cell tower proposal is not permitted under the municipality’s ordinances, the outlet reported.

Residents in opposition cited health concerns, declining property values and government overreach, according to TAPinto Gold Coast. They also feared the proposal will set a precedent to build similar towers in other municipalities in the state.

“If you don’t stop it now, I fear for what will happen to this town and a lot of towns like it,” one resident said at the meeting, TAPinto Gold Coast reported.

Local residents also created a website dedicated to opposing the project in Spring Lake.

In a statement, Verizon officials said the company installed similar cell sites in neighboring communities with “no negative impact for residents or wildlife.”

“Verizon’s network improvements provide crucial connectivity for customers and emergency service providers in the community,” the company said. “With consumers and businesses using increasing amounts of data each year, we continually enhance our network to meet the needs of homeowners, first responders and vacationers in beach communities.”

Spring Lake Mayor Jennifer Noughton did not respond to a request for comment.

Similar cell tower poles have been installed in Sea Girt, Lavallette, Seaside Park, Ortley Beach, Asbury Park and Long Branch, according to a Verizon spokesperson.

The company is also seeking to install the cell towers in Belmar, but is facing significant opposition. A group of residents — including those who live within several hundred feet of the proposed tower locations — joined Monmouth County in a lawsuit to prevent the company from installing the poles along Ocean Avenue.

A Change.org petition asking Verizon to abandon its plans has more than 4,000 signatures.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Jackie Roman has contributed to this report.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Brianna Kudisch may be reached at [email protected].

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Off-duty Belmar lifeguard saves swimmer caught in rip current

SPRING LAKE – An off-duty lifeguard was in the right place at the right time to save a swimmer caught in a rip current.Gene Weiss, who also works as a photographer, and three friends visited the Spring Lake beach last weekend looking for a place to surf. Weiss, 51, ran into a colleague from his part-time lifeguarding job in Belmar, who, while standing on top of the Newark Avenue jetty, pointed out a girl screaming.The girl's mother was also in the water, struggling against a rip current pulling her away fro...

SPRING LAKE – An off-duty lifeguard was in the right place at the right time to save a swimmer caught in a rip current.

Gene Weiss, who also works as a photographer, and three friends visited the Spring Lake beach last weekend looking for a place to surf. Weiss, 51, ran into a colleague from his part-time lifeguarding job in Belmar, who, while standing on top of the Newark Avenue jetty, pointed out a girl screaming.

The girl's mother was also in the water, struggling against a rip current pulling her away from shore. The woman had jumped in the water to help her daughter's boyfriend, who had gotten stuck in the current a few minutes earlier.

Rip current safety 101:What to do if you're caught in one

Weiss ran into the water and swam the woman out of the current before returning her to the shoreline with the help of Rumson resident Patrick Boyle. The other swimmer was kept for observation at Jersey Shore University Medical Center after ingesting water, but was released the next day. The girl made it to shore safely.

"It was so random we just happened to be there," Weiss said. "If it was 10 seconds later, this woman would have drowned."

Rip currents are strong, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow directly away from the shore.

The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration recommends swimmers check surf zone forecasts for conditions before swimming in the ocean, and to stay at least 100 feet away from jetties, where permanent rip currents exist.

Rip currents can be identified by a channel of churning, choppy water, with a breaking in the incoming waves. Foam, seaweed and debris might be moving steadily out to sea, and the color of the water might be noticeably different.

NOAA recommends that any swimmer caught in a rip current swim parallel to and then toward the shoreline at an angle. If you can't swim, float and call for help.

Mike Davis has spent the last decade covering New Jersey local news, marijuana legalization, transportation and a little bit of everything else. He's won a few awards that make his parents very proud. Contact him at [email protected] or @byMikeDavis on Twitter.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.