BERKELEY – In South Seaside Park, a street was dedicated in memory of a lifeguard who lost his life when a sudden storm rolled in.
Keith Pinto, 19, was killed by lightning on August 30, 2021 when he was working at White Sands Beach. He was trying to get other beachgoers to safety. Seven others – three of them lifeguards – were wounded that day.
22nd Avenue in South Seaside Park was named “Keith Pinto Way” in his honor. A proclamation was presented to the family during the most recent Council meeting.
Loved ones recalled his sense of humor and warmth. They said he was a hard worker who also took time to play softball every Sunday with a league. The Toms River High School North graduate was attending Ocean County College. He was studying criminal justice psychology and had plans to join the U.S. Marines.
At the street dedication, Keith’s mother Gail and father Carlos and brothers Kevin and Tyler were joined by Mayor John Bacchione and Councilman Douglas Bowens.
“While it was a sad reminder today of Keith’s passing, it was also a good day to know that he will always be remembered here in Berkeley Township. His legacy will live on through the countless lives Keith touched and the impact he left on everyone in this community. We hope this brings some peace to the Pinto family,” Bacchione said.
The mayor said he hopes that when residents and visitors see the sign, it will be a reminder of Keith’s dedication to the community.
Two years ago, the 22nd Avenue beach was renamed the Keith Pinto Memorial Beach at White Sands.
At the time, his brother Tyler said “They say it gets easier with time, but it gets harder with time because he’s not here for milestone events.”
Township officials then unveiled a sign near the beach entrance showing him in his lifeguard chair. The name “Keith Pinto Memorial Beach at White Sands” is followed by “Keith left us too soon doing what he loved, serving and protecting. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. He will be remembered as a Hero, and missed by his family, friends and fellow lifeguards. ‘Sky above, sand below, peace within.’”
