Drownings prompt safety warnings at NYC and NJ beaches

NEW YORK (PIX11) – With dangerous rip currents and rough surf, lifeguards across New York and New Jersey are urging beachgoers to think twice before heading into the water — especially when lifeguards are off duty.

In places like Seaside Heights, New Jersey, police say they could even arrest swimmers who refuse to get out of the water when ordered.

As summer heat continues, beaches are packed — and so are the lifeguard stands. Crews are on high alert, working to keep swimmers safe in waters that can turn dangerous in seconds.

“The last few times I was here, I did see like four incidents where people were drowning,” said Gigi Lee.

Still, not every rescue ends in survival. Authorities say 77-year-old Liudmila Marchenko died after being pulled from the water at Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, just after 6 p.m. Monday.

“When it is rough, of course, you don’t go inside the water, you try not to go so far,” said beachgoer Petrona Anorve.

The same evening in Seaside Heights, a 31-year-old man swimming with his children died.

 He and four others, including his 16-year-old son, were pulled from the water around 6:30 p.m. — after lifeguards had gone off duty at 5 p.m.

“We were quick. If we weren’t there within two minutes, there would have been five lives lost. One 16-year-old took on a lot of water. We almost lost him, but he made it,” said Chief Thomas Boyd of the Seaside Heights Police Department.

Since last weekend, there have been more than half a dozen drownings, near-drownings, or water rescues across area beaches. At Brighton Beach late Tuesday, many swimmers said the waves were hard to fight.

“The waves were pretty strong and big, so I didn’t go that deep into the water,” said Yurii.

Boyd’s advice is simple: “It's just common sense. If there's no lifeguard there, don't swim. Don't swim.”

Lifeguards on New York City beaches are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In New Jersey, hours vary but typically run from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.