“I just want them to come back.”

The grieving parents of a 16-year-old who went missing in the waters of Jacob Riis Park spent Saturday keeping vigil on the beach as divers scoured the sea for a second straight day to find the boy.

Elyjha Chandler and another teen have been missing since Friday evening, when they were knee-deep in water — and were suddenly swept away, Chandler's father told the Post.

“He wasn't far out in the water… One of the boys told me that when the water hit them, it was like a demon was coming towards them,” said a stunned Urshell Chandler , who said that Elyjha could not swim, and came to him. the beach on a whim at the last minute instead of going to basketball practice.

Elyjha's mother sat near the water's edge, in tears, on a folding chair, her legs trembling as she loudly begged for her son's safe return.

“Why? Why? Why?” Aminatu Noah cried.

“I just want to stay here,” she said.

“I just want them back.” I want them to come closer to us.

“My only son,” she repeated, raising her eyes to the sky.

“My God, let them come back. …God is in control. I will continue to pray.

Chandler and his 17-year-old friend, identified only as Christian, went swimming around 6:35 p.m. and never came out, a police spokeswoman said.

Lifeguards are stationed at the national park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer, according to the state website.

The family said the rescuers left early.

The state did not return a message seeking comment.

Elyjha and Christian were among four teens who entered the water when a good Samaritan tried to pull them out, Urshell Chandler said.

“A man took it out. He looked at Elijah. His eyes were wide open. Elijah went up and down three times, and then they didn't see him again.

“I was hoping he would come out of the water and say, ‘I’m here,’” the father said, throwing his hands in the air.

“It's very difficult. I cried. I couldn't sleep last night.”

Her older sister said Elyjha had enough credits to graduate this summer and go to college, but chose to stay with her friends.

The proud dad recalled his son's love of basketball and school.

“Her score was one of the highest in her class,” he said.

“He received so many awards for his academic achievements – all the time. »

The father also hoped beyond hope that his son was alive.

“I was at the water’s edge looking out,” the distressed father said, “hoping to catch a glimpse of my son.”