Cape May lifeguards and first responders are searching for a swimmer who went missing Thursday morning in rough water.
The city said in a Facebook post that the swimmer went into the water at around 7:15 a.m. in the area of Madison Avenue and Beach Avenue.
The missing swimmer is believed to be a female between 30 and 40 years old.
The search began after authorities received reports of “a possible surf rescue,” the city said.
Rough surf forced the city to close the water for swimming.
Members of the city’s police department, fire department and beach patrol are part of the search.
Additional assets were requested from the U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police Marine Services, the Townbank Fire Department, North Wildwood Fire Department and Cape May Public Works Department to assist in the search efforts. Towboat US and Seatow also responded to the location to assist with search efforts.
“We will remain on location with our resources which include the New Jersey State Police Marine Boats, United States Coast Guard Small Boat Station and the United States Coast Guard Fire Department,” the city said in the Facebook post.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have information about the missing swimmer to call the Cape May Police Department at 609-884-9500.
Updates will follow on the search, according to the city’s Office of Emergency Management.
