Safety Lightning Detection System Being Installed In Second Jersey Shore, NJ Town

A few months ago, I told you that officials in Brick were taking steps to make sure their beaches are as safe as possible.

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The town purchased a new system to avoid anyone getting seriously injured or even killed from an unprecedented lightning strike ever again.

This change comes after a South Seaside Park lifeguard lost his life after being struck by lightning.

According to Shorebeat.com, it is called The Thor Guard Detection System and it, "will come with on-board sensors that can independently detect electrical currents at long distances."

Well, another shore town is following suit.

It is Ortley Beach but they will be utilizing a different system.

According to Shorebeat.com, it is called, "the Strike Guard system, an optical-coincidence lightning sensor that detects actual lightning strikes from up to 20 miles away. The detection system, known as an electric field meter, will be linked to a siren that will sound when lightning strikes are detected close to the beach area, audibly alerting both lifeguards and the public that storm activity is nearby."

Instead of relying on WIFI, the system will physically monitor the skies itself.

Two of these systems are being purchased and will be set up at the two lifeguard stations set up at Lord House and Block House with sirens pointed in each direction.

There are three levels of warnings:

• CAUTION: Lighting is within 20 miles.
• WARNING: Lightning is within 10 miles.
• ALARM: Lighting is within 5 miles

The hope is that getting beachgoers to evacuate will be easier when there is a siren to coincide with lifeguard's warnings.

Eileen Barron, of Ocean Beach II, is hoping this system will be installed everywhere, including private beaches nearby.

“When it’s 85 degrees and sunny and you’re an 18-year-old lifeguard telling people to leave the beach, they’re not going to do it,” she said according to Shorebeat.com. “It's important that all beaches are consistent and doing the same thing. We’re not jumping on a bandwagon because Brick is getting it and Ortley is getting it.”

First Brick.

Now Ortley.

Who is next? Come on, I know you want to....