On Sunday afternoon, tragedy occurred on Sandy Hook Beach B in New Jersey when a fifteen-year-old tragically passed away and five others needed to be rescued from the water. As the beach allows no swimming and is unguarded, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with swimming in unmonitored areas.
Gateway National Recreational’s Public Affairs Specialist, Daphne Yun, confirmed six people were recovered from the water, with five of them being driven to medical centers. Unfortunately, when the teen arrived, they were pronounced dead.
The age and condition of the other four individuals taken to medical centers and the identity of the deceased teen remain undisclosed. Despite the non-designation of swimming areas, it is feasible the group was unaware of the potential dangers. The risk of ocean swimming, such as sturdy currents and rip tides, was likely underestimated as well.
This tragedy has been devastating to family and friends of the teen, as well as for the other people who were saved from the waters. The National Park Service says do not swim in unallowed areas to prevent similar incidents from occurring.