ANSWER Team

06/22/2026

06/21/2026

06/17/2026

On Monday night, the ANSWER Water Rescue Team conducted our annual exercise, which was held in Ocean Grove. The ANSWER Team conducts at least one full-scale exercise each year designed to test all of our team's components and ensure we are prepared to protect those who visit the beaches and waterways in Avon, Bradley Beach, Neptune Township (Ocean Grove), Neptune City, and beyond.

The exercise involved multiple swimmers in distress with varying injuries, and the team was directed to respond as though it was a real-world emergency. All aspects of the team were tested throughout the response, including rescue swimmers, divers, boat, jet ski, and drone operators, emergency medical technicians, emergency management personnel, traffic and scene security, police, and many others.

We remain confident that those visiting the beaches in Avon, Bradley Beach, Neptune Township and Neptune City will continue to receive the high-quality water rescue service that they have come to expect from the Area Network of Shore Water Emergency Responders (ANSWER) Water Rescue Team. If you're interested in joining our team, send us a message right here on Facebook!



Avon by the Sea Police Department
Bradley Beach Police Department
Borough of Bradley Beach
Ocean Grove Beaches
Neptune City Police Department
Neptune Township Office of Emergency Management
Neptune Township EMS
Neptune Township Police Department

06/17/2026

In preparation for the America 250 celebrations happening in the Port of New York and New Jersey, the U.S. Coast Guard New York has issued several Marine Safety Information Bulletins that will be in effect from July 1st through July 9th. They include the expected waterway restrictions, safety zones, and general operational guidance needed to ensure the safety and security of the maritime public, event participants, and spectator vessels during the Sail 4th 250 events, the U.S. Navy’s International Naval Review 250 (INR 250) and International Aerial Review (IAR), and Independence Day fireworks displays taking place throughout New York Harbor. Boaters planning to travel through the area during those dates should familiarize themselves with all of the notices, which can be found here: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/local-notices-to-mariners?district=1+0&subdistrict=n

06/14/2026

On Monday, June 15th, between 5:30PM and 8:00PM, the ANSWER Water Rescue Team will be conducting our annual exercise near the south end of Ocean Grove, on the beachfront. Emergency personnel, vehicles, and watercraft will be operating in the area. ***This is only a training exercise, please give our team space to operate.*** The ANSWER Team conducts an annual exercise to ensure we are prepared to protect those who visit the beaches and waterways in Avon, Bradley Beach, Neptune Township (Ocean Grove), Neptune City, and beyond.

06/10/2026

The ANSWER Team has responded to several water rescue incidents since the beginning of the season, all of which have been resolved safely, including two swimmers in distress on Monday morning in Bradley Beach. All those visiting the beaches in Ocean Grove, Avon-by-the-Sea, and Bradley Beach are reminded to only swim where permitted, when lifeguards are on-duty. Lifeguards are not on regular duty during the weekdays or after-hours, so please stay out of the water during those times.

If you observe any swimmer or boater who appears to be in distress, whether it is during the day or after-hours, please don't hesitate to call 9-1-1 and provide as much detail as possible.

06/05/2026

All those headed to the beaches in Ocean Grove, Avon-by-the-Sea, and Bradley Beach this weekend, please note that there is an increased risk for the development of Rip Currents throughout the weekend. Additionally, temperatures may reach the 90's in some areas and there are several chances for storms, primarily in the evenings. Be sure to monitor your local weather, wear sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. Most importantly, only swim where permitted and when lifeguards are on duty. Do not enter the water after hours!

Rip currents can occur at any time, even when seas are calm. If you are caught in a rip current, stay afloat and yell for help. You can also swim parallel to the shore to escape the rip current and allow more time for rescuers to arrive. If you observe any swimmer or boater who appears to be in distress, whether it is during the day or after-hours, please don't hesitate to call 9-1-1 and provide as much detail as possible.

The Area Network of Shore Water Emergency Responders (ANSWER) Team is an all-volunteer group of over 120 first responders that provides water rescue service to Neptune Township, Ocean Grove Beaches, Shark River, the Shark River Inlet, Neptune City, Avon-by-the-Sea, Bradley Beach, and provides aid to surrounding towns.