CAPE MAY CITY-- While keeping New Jersey's beaches replenished is critical to protecting coastal communities from flood damage, one Cape May County town has seen a rise in spinal cord injuries and believe a previous replenishment project is to blame. With another replenishment project on the horizon, officials are calling on the Army Corps of Engineers to investigate these unfortunate accidents.

As the summer season comes to a close, Cape May is gearing up for a $10 million dollar beach replenishment project this fall.

But Cape May’s shoreline has been facing a serious problem since their last replenishment several years ago. "Our problem is that as replenishment ages, the sand starts to erode and we get not only an incline but after storms, we get a sheer drop off," said Cape May City Mayor, Edward Mahaney.

And because of this drop off and shallow water, the city has seen a rise in spinal cord injuries. To date, reports indicate the number of spinal cord injuries doubled from the same time last year. Out of the 22 reported injuries, 6 required patients be airlifted to hospitals out of the area.

In response to this local concern, New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg has called on the Army Corps of Engineers to step up and investigate the rise of injuries to Cape May County beachgoers.
And if officials have their way, some changes will be made to the upcoming beach fill.

"We do hope this awareness to both state and federal legislators will bring about possible changes or new innovations to beach replenishment program that will hopefully create a more gradual slope," said Bruce Macleod, Interim City Manager.

You cant see it now but when high tide rolls in, the waves will be breaking here along this steep ledge, and if your picked up by a breaking wave, that's where the potential risk of injury can occur.

"We find that people come in contact with slope as boogie boarding and body surfing and hitting heads, chins, numerous types of injuries, back injuries," said Chief Jerry Inderwies, Jr., Cape May City Fire Department.

Spinal cord injuries vary in severity and can even cause paralysis.

Through a simulation of a spinal cord injury rescue, it's apparent just how extensive the beach patrol's training is in coping with this growing concern.

"Guards from first year guards all the way up are educated to deal with these injuries," said Inderwies.

With warm weather expected into the early fall, officials say the threat is not over just yet.

"We're probably going to have issues now and probably for next several weeks while weather is still nice," said Inderwies.