Teen Lifeguard Returns After Freak Beach Umbrella Accident in Asbury Park

In a story that could make even the bravest beachgoer wince, 18-year-old Alex Kaus, a lifeguard at Asbury Park’s 3rd Avenue Beach in New Jersey, has made a remarkable return to work just three weeks after a freak accident involving a beach umbrella. Last month, while setting up the umbrella, a sudden gust of wind turned a routine task into a harrowing ordeal. Kaus was blown off her lifeguard stand and impaled by the sharp end of a 1-inch metal pole through her left shoulder.

Imagine the scene: fellow lifeguards found her on the ground, the stake protruding from her arm. Quick-thinking first responders cut the pole to transport her to the hospital. Yet, in true resilient spirit, Kaus is already back on the beach, though not yet guarding. She’s currently checking beach badges as she recovers and prepares to return to the University of Wisconsin at Madison. "Physically, I’m pretty good," she shared, showcasing an optimism that’s hard to shake.

While Kaus awaits medical clearance to dive back into guarding duties, her story isn’t just about a shocking mishap—it’s a testament to the grit of lifeguards who face unexpected dangers while keeping us safe. She expressed deep gratitude for her coworkers who were by her side during the incident, emphasizing the camaraderie that defines her team. "We’re out here every day, keeping everybody safe," she noted, hoping her story highlights the often-overlooked risks lifeguards take.

As Kaus processes the whirlwind of attention her accident has garnered, her focus remains on recovery and returning to the stand before heading back to school. Her journey is a reminder that even on the sunniest of beaches, danger can lurk in the most unexpected forms.