NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 17-year-old boy has died following a Sunday night water rescue at Rockaway Beach, officials said Tuesday.
Emergency personnel responded to a distress call in the water near Beach 83rd Street just after 7:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officials pulled an unresponsive 17-year-old from the surf, while an 18-year-old man was rescued by a lifeguard, authorities said.
Both teens were rushed by medics to St. John’s Hospital where the 18-year-old survivor was listed in stable condition. The younger teen arrived in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are withholding his identity pending family notification.
According to city officials, the incident occurred after standard swimming hours at New York City public beaches where lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. While swimming is strictly prohibited outside of those windows, as part of the city’s heat emergency plan, lifeguards remained stationed nearby until 8 p.m. to help respond to emergencies, allowing for the rapid rescue of the older teen.
“We’re saddened by this tragic loss of life and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and friends,” a Parks Department spokesperson said in a statement.
