(WNY News Now) – NYC – A man in his 30s was found dead from an apparent drowning at Rockaway Beach, marking the fifth beach death of the season and intensifying calls for improved lifeguard services and swim education.
In the early hours of Monday, a man in his 30s was discovered floating near the shoreline of Rockaway Beach, Queens, around 12:30 a.m. Despite immediate medical intervention, the individual was pronounced dead at St. John’s Hospital. Authorities are working to identify him, and the cause of death will be confirmed by the city Medical Examiner.
This incident underscores a troubling trend in New York City, where beach drownings have already surpassed last year’s total of four. The Rockaways, known for their summer influx of swimmers seeking respite from the heat, have seen multiple tragedies this season, including the recent drowning deaths of two teens at Jacob Riis Park.
On June 21, Elyjha Chandler, 16, and Christian Perkins, 17, drowned at Jacob Riis Beach. Their bodies were recovered a week later, with reports indicating the absence of lifeguards at the time of their deaths. Local leaders have since called for increased lifeguard staffing and expanded swim education programs, but no significant changes have been implemented.
Adding to the season’s sorrow, Bronx sisters Zainab Mohammed, 17, and Aisha Mohammed, 18, also lost their lives at Coney Island Beach on July 5.
As the city continues to grapple with these incidents, the urgency for improved beach safety measures remains a critical concern for both officials and the community.
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