LONG BEACH, NY – A swimmer in distress died Tuesday night while lifeguards were off duty, Long Beach City said.
Long Beach Fire Brigade members and lifeguards were on the shore within five minutes, a city spokesman said.
The 30-year-old victim from Brooklyn was already out of the water when the first responders arrived. He was given oxygen and suffered cardiac arrest while being rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, Long Beach City said.
“This devastating loss of life was completely preventable,” said James Jacobi, chief of the Long Beach Fire Department. “Although the sea is inviting, it can be very dangerous. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of beachgoers not entering the sea when the lifeguards are not on duty. “
Jacobi is also a member of the Long Beach Lifeguard Beach Patrol.
Lifeguards (Beach Patrol) on Long Beach are on duty seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Beach goers are urged to familiarize themselves with basic beach safety before visiting Ocean Beach Park.
“People who go into the sea after work endanger themselves and our first aiders. The loss of life takes an enormous toll on all of us. Our condolences go to the family of the deceased, ”said Jacobi.
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