While last weekend’s heatwave wasn’t as scorching as expected, it still brought holiday weekend level crowds to the beach.
On Saturday, June 13, the crowds stretched from the dunes to the ocean. Beach chairs, towels, tents, and umbrellas covered almost every inch of the beach, with the only patches of sand left untouched being those around the lifeguard chairs. Nutcracker men and women walked the beaches selling “the best nutcrackers in New York City,” the lines at the concessions were out the door, and even Spiderman made an appearance.
We were lucky to have calm waters that day, and only a couple missing children throughout the day, each returned to their parents swiftly.
On Sunday, June 14, crowds were thinner on the beach, but warmer temperatures meant more people in the water. What started as a calm day in the ocean ended with a two-to-three-foot swell coupled with wind chop and heavy rip currents.
Around 5 p.m., lifeguards spotted two boys swimming on the closed beach off the Beach 98th Street jetty. By the time a lifeguard walked over to call them out of the water, it was clear they needed help. Luckily, we were able to react quickly and reach the two boys before they were pushed into or past the rocks. The current was so strong, that even though we were just a few feet from being able to stand, we needed a few extra guards in the water to help pull the victims in.
This case was a reminder of how quickly swimmers can begin to struggle in the water, how strong rip currents can be, and how important it is to stay out of the water on closed beaches. If they had been swimming on a closed beach where no one could see them, their story might have a very different ending.
This weekend, it looks like we’ll have our work cut out for us with a sunny Juneteenth on Friday, followed by an equally sunny Saturday and Sunday. With some waves on the way, ocean safety will be even more important these next few busy days. With bigger waves comes more powerful rip currents, so it’s crucial to follow lifeguards’ directions when we direct you away from rips and the rock jetties.
With that said, I hope everyone enjoys a fun and safe holiday weekend!
