Heartbreaking news: A 15-year-old boy drowned and five other people were pulled from the water at an unguarded New Jersey beach over the Memorial Day weekend, according to reports.
ABC News reported that a teen, whose name was not released, was seen swimming in a section of Sandy Hook Beach without lifeguards shortly after 4 p.m. on Sunday. At one point some people heard a mother screaming that she could not see her son in the surf. Bystanders from nearby raced to the scene to help several people come out of the water, including the doomed teen.
Witness Luis Sanchez told the outlet, “People jumped in the water. And then there was one missing that they couldn’t get. They [eventually] pulled him out, they started giving him CPR, and they couldn’t get [revive him].”
To note, Sandy Hook’s Beach B which is at the top tip of the Jersey Shore, located within the Gateway Recreation Area and managed by the National Park Service, is never overseen by a lifeguard, officials stated.
Two of the beachgoers were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center while three others were transported to Monmouth Medical Center. Sadly, the teenager was among those three and was pronounced dead after arrival. He was not immediately identified. It was noted that one person refused to receive medical attention.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has warned beachgoers to be “extra cautious” on Monday if going into the water due to a “HIGH risk or rip currents.” It said, “Be safe & only swim with a lifeguard present.” It has also warned about the risk of rip currents off the shore starting on Friday.
“That’s why we always try to encourage people to swim only where there are lifeguards present because your chances of surviving are much stronger,” said Denise Blair of the U.S. Lifesaving Association of Monmouth County.
As the new site notes, nearly 30 people drowned in natural waters in New Jersey last year, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Health. Meanwhile, about 70% of drowning deaths occur among children 15 years old and younger between May and August every year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What Are Lawmakers Doing?
At least one New Jersey lawmaker is pushing for a bill to mandate water safety education in public schools, according to UPI. However, it’s facing a little pushback over the expense of adding more instruction.
“If you start getting instruction when you’re in kindergarten, by the time you’re in high school, you’re going to really have some knowledge or training,” Assemblyman Sean Kean said.
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