Thu Jun 26 09:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summary of the text:

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Lifeguard Impaled by Beach Umbrella in Asbury Park**

**ASBURY PARK, NJ –** A young lifeguard in Asbury Park was seriously injured Wednesday morning after being impaled by a beach umbrella. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. near Third Avenue.

According to officials, the lifeguard, believed to be 19 or 20 years old, was setting up a large umbrella for a lifeguard chair when a gust of wind caused her to lose her balance and fall backwards from the top step of the lifeguard stand. An eyewitness reported that the umbrella was caught by a wind gust causing her to lose her balance. As she fell, the umbrella, with an aluminum pole approximately one inch in diameter, pierced her left armpit and exited her back near the scapula.

Fellow lifeguards immediately provided first aid. The Asbury Park Fire Department and EMS responded to the scene. Firefighters carefully cut away most of the umbrella pole, leaving a foot-long section embedded in her arm for medical professionals at the hospital to address.

“She actually was way better than most people would be,” said Asbury Park Fire Department Battalion Chief Christopher Barkalow, praising the victim’s resilience. “She did very well, she just really complained about the heat so I will give her credit, she was tough.”

The lifeguard, in her second year on the job, remained conscious and alert throughout the ordeal and is reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities are reminding beachgoers to ensure their beach umbrellas are securely anchored in the sand and to carry them with the point facing downwards to prevent similar accidents.

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