Around 60 syringes found along ocean in Manasquan on the Jersey Shore

Dozens of syringes and other debris were found on the beach in Manasquan on the Jersey Shore over the weekend. 

Beachgoers found large amounts of garbage strewn across the water's edge Saturday. Crews picked up an estimated 60 syringes mixed in with other household garbage. 

Officials said the debris appeared and disappeared within two high-tide cycles. The water was off limits to swimmers Saturday while the beach ground remained open.   

"Syringes is kind of upsetting. The plastics is too, just the sheer amount of it. There were hundreds or maybe thousands of pieces of plastic," said resident Sandy Perry.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Monmouth County health officials inspected the area and deemed it safe Sunday. 

Resident Priscilla Mahajan said she still found concerning items after the water reopened.

"Syringes, cut straws, syringe plungers, syringe caps, small plastic baggies," said Mahajan. 

She said she thinks officials reopened the beach too soon.

"I think safety comes first. We could have easily just moved them down a little bit farther north, considering things get caught up in this area between the inlet and the rocks," she said. "We could have just erred on the side of caution, like they should have done in "Jaws.'"

Local officials said the incident is isolated, and there should be no concern of a continuing problem. 

"I don't want to see any syringes, or step on any, that's for sure," Perry said. 

Lifeguards are monitoring the beach to make sure everyone stays safe.