Family Sues New Jersey Borough Following Drowning Death on Guarded Beach
A New Jersey family is pursuing legal action against Wildwood Crest following the tragic death of their 21-year-old son, who drowned while swimming at a beach patrolled by lifeguards. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the borough and its beach patrol, claiming insufficient staffing and a failure to adequately warn swimmers of risky conditions. This case highlights the critical importance of beach safety and the responsibilities of municipalities to protect those enjoying the Jersey Shore.
The Incident & Subsequent lawsuit
Volm entered the water on August 5, 2023, and was quickly caught in a powerful rip current. Riptides are notoriously dangerous, capable of overwhelming even strong swimmers due to their unpredictable strength and speed. He was later washed ashore unresponsive, despite the presence of lifeguards.Lifeguards immediately initiated CPR,and Volm was transported to Cape Regional Medical Center via rescue rig. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The family’s lawsuit details several alleged failures that contributed to this tragedy. Specifically, the suit claims:
Beach patrols where inadequately staffed.
Necessary preventative measures were not in place.
Red flags – a standard warning signal for hazardous conditions – were absent from the area where Volm entered the water.
A Young Life Remembered
Volm, a Marlton native, was a former student-athlete at Paul IV High school, where he participated in wrestling and lacrosse. Beyond sports,he enjoyed bowling,video games,and spending time with his cousins.
He was also known for his love of animals, notably his dogs, Rocky and Sophie, earning him the affectionate nickname “the dog whisperer” within his family. His passing leaves a notable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Complex Circumstances & Ongoing Inquiry
Reports indicate Volm had recently completed a stay at a drug treatment center approximately one week prior to his death. though, his family assured investigators that he had not exhibited any signs of drug use at the time of the drowning. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the case, though the lawsuit focuses primarily on the alleged negligence of the beach patrol.
Seeking Justice and Accountability
The Volm family is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages through the lawsuit.They hope to hold Wildwood Crest accountable for the alleged failures that led to their son’s death.
Wildwood crest Mayor Don Cabrera acknowledged awareness of the pending legal action but deferred further comment. The Autonomous has reached out to Wildwood Crest for a statement regarding the lawsuit and will update this story as more data becomes available.
Understanding Rip Currents & Beach Safety
this tragic event serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers posed by rip currents and the importance of beach safety.If you plan to swim at the shore, remember these vital tips:
Swim at guarded beaches: lifeguards are trained to identify and respond to dangerous conditions.
Check the flag warnings: Pay attention to posted flags indicating water conditions.
Never swim alone: Always have a buddy.
Learn how to escape a rip current: If caught, don’t fight the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you escape the pull, then swim towards land.
If you see someone in trouble, alert a lifeguard immediately.
This case underscores the need for vigilance and proactive safety measures to prevent future tragedies on our beaches. It also highlights the importance of understanding your surroundings and respecting the power of the ocean.