WASHINGTON (AFP) — Four swimmers drowned and three were missing at beaches hit by severe rip currents and undertows near New York City this weekend, police and the Coast Guard said Sunday.
Three swimmers drowned at Long Beach, east of the city on Friday and Saturday despite life guards being on duty, and a surfer drowned at a non-patrolled Hampton Bays beach to the south, police said.
"There have been numerous drownings this season, more than I can recall. It could be record," Long Beach police spokesman Bruce Meyer told AFP.
"The water is very unforgiving. People ask me if I have any advice. Yes: do not swim in unprotected waters," he said.
Meanwhile an 18 year old swimmer at Long Beach went missing Saturday and had not been found, and a 23 year old man disappeared in the surf at the Rockaways beach in Queens, according to New York Coast Guard spokeswoman Annie Berlin.
Also on Sunday searching continued for a 10 year old girl who disappeared the day before at Coney Island.
Police blamed the sharp surge in drownings on bigger waves and treacherous currents generated by an offshore storm system that swept through the area during the week.
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