Overview
- A man was pulled from the surf at Long Point Wildlife Refuge after he struggled to return to shore and was taken to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital by West Tisbury emergency responders.
- Rescuers and nearby lifeguards reached the group in the water and helped four swimmers reach shore before emergency crews treated and transported the fifth person.
- The National Weather Service had posted elevated rip‑current risk for the region, highlighting West Tisbury as facing a moderate danger on its advisory maps.
- The Trustees, which manages Long Point, closed the beaches for the weekend, refunded visitor passes and said it will prioritize community and staff well‑being as it plans a reopening.
- Rip currents are a common coastal hazard that often pull swimmers away from shore and account for most lifeguard rescues in the U.S., so local officials urged visitors to swim only where lifeguards are on duty.