Calls for safety after teens disappear while swimming in Queens

Erin Pflaumer and Julie Millet

19 minutes ago

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — Leaders are demanding new safety measures for New York City beaches Tuesday in an effort to prevent drownings.

Last week, two teenagers went missing in the water at Jacob Riis Park Beach, prompting a massive search operation by the NYPD, FDNY and Coast Guard.

The boys, aged 16 and 17, tried to jump over a large wave and never came back up, authorities said. They disappeared just after lifeguards left their shift at 6 p.m.

Two bodies were found on nearby beaches over the weekend, but police have not identified them as those of the missing teenagers.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. is calling for extended lifeguard hours. Other safety measures he wants include extending the beach season beyond early September, addressing the city’s lifeguard shortage and building new community pools on the Rockaway Peninsula to provide safer swimming options.

Richards and other elected officials will hold a news conference Tuesday at 10 a.m. They will also be joined by members of the Swim Strong Foundation, an organization that promotes swimming lessons and water rescue skills.