Teen Swimmer Found Unconscious After Massive Search in Queens Waters
QUEENS (WABC) — A 19-year-old swimmer was found unconscious after a massive search by helicopters and drones in the waters off Jacob Riis Park in Queens. The search lasted for hours before the teen was eventually found by his friends.
Dominic Nixon and his friends spotted a little shadow in the water, which turned out to be the missing swimmer. They immediately alerted the authorities and divers raced back to the surf to rescue the unconscious teen.
The teen was rushed to a waiting ambulance and taken to the hospital, where he is currently in critical condition. This incident followed closely on the heels of another teen going missing in the waters off Coney Island earlier in the week. As of Friday night, that swimmer was still missing.
Eyewitness Harold Miles, who was present at the scene, recounted the events leading up to the teen’s disappearance. He described how a group of five teens ran into the water, with only four of them returning. One of the brothers decided to turn back, feeling it was too far for him, but when he looked for his brother, he had disappeared.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers of swimming in rip currents. Dominic Nixon emphasized that no matter how strong a swimmer may be, they are not stronger than water.
Jacob Riis Park, where the incident occurred, is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Authorities continue to stress the importance of swimmer safety and awareness in these areas.
The search and rescue operation involved helicopters, drones, and divers, highlighting the extensive efforts made to locate the missing swimmer. The incident prompted the authorities to call off the search just before the swimmer was miraculously found.
If you have any information or witnessed the incident, please contact the local authorities immediately.