PRESS RELEASE

Contact Information:

Deputy Mayor Mikulski 

Commissioner of Public Safety

609-846-2044

Release Date:

June 3, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Wildwood Issues Safety Reminder Following Tragic Incident

WILDWOOD, NJ – The City of Wildwood is deeply saddened by the disappearance of a 14-year-old male from Philadelphia who went missing after entering the ocean on the afternoon of Monday, June 1, 2026.  Our community stands alongside the family and continues to keep them in our thoughts during this difficult time as recovery efforts continue.

“This tragedy has impacted everyone who has heard this story,” said Steve Mikulski, Deputy Mayor and Commissioner of Public Safety. “Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and all those affected. We are grateful for the extraordinary efforts of the Wildwood Beach Patrol, Wildwood Police Department, New Jersey State Police, United States Coast Guard, and all first responders who worked tirelessly throughout this operation. Their professionalism, dedication, and compassion have been extraordinary.”

The incident remains an active investigation. While the initial large-scale search operation has concluded, the Wildwood Police Department, Wildwood Beach Patrol, and New Jersey State Police Marine Unit continue to actively monitor and search the area utilizing drones and other available resources.

This tragedy serves as a powerful reminder that the ocean can be unpredictable and dangerous, particularly when swimming outside protected areas or outside of guarded hours. Amidst this tragedy, the City of Wildwood, the Wildwood Beach Patrol, and public safety officials continue to stress one critical message: ONLY SWIM AT GUARDED BEACHES WHEN LIFEGUARDS ARE ON DUTY.

During the preseason, lifeguards are stationed at designated beaches on weekends through June 16. These protected beaches are located at Cresse Avenue, Leaming Avenue, Rio Grande Avenue, Andrews Avenue, Baker Avenue, Youngs Avenue, Spicer Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Oak Avenue, Maple Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, and 26th Street. Beachgoers should always confirm which beaches are protected before entering the water.

Information regarding guarded beaches and lifeguard coverage is regularly posted and shared through official City communication channels and can be accessed on the City of Wildwood website, the Wildwood Beach Patrol Facebook page, and various other public safety social media platforms. We strongly encourage all residents and visitors to review this information before entering the water and to swim only at designated guarded beaches during protected hours.

For beach safety, remember:
• Swim only at guarded beaches during lifeguard hours.
• Follow all lifeguard instructions, warnings, and beach flags.
• Never swim alone.
• Closely supervise children at all times.
• Be aware that ocean conditions can change rapidly without warning.

As summer approaches and more visitors arrive at our shore communities, we urge everyone to make water safety their highest priority. A few moments of caution can prevent a lifetime of heartbreak. Our thoughts remain with the family, and we remain committed to assisting them in any way possible during this difficult time.

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